3 more Directors resign, MIT to join stir from July 25
MU strike gathers more steam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 21 2018:
Three directors of Centre of Studies have tendered their resignation as a part of the ongoing strike launched jointly by MUSU, MUTA and MUSA demanding the removal of AP Pandey from the post of the VC of Manipur University.
On the other hand, the teachers and staff of Manipur Institute of Technology (MIT) which is affiliated to Manipur University are also going to join the strike from July 25.This was stated by Professor N Nimai, spokesperson of MUTA during a press conference held at MUTA office today evening after holding a talk with the State Government Ministerial team.
He said that it has been 53 days since the strike was launched and today, the associations made their stand extremely clear to the Ministerial team that until and unless AP Pandey is removed, the strike will continue.
However, he said that the associations appreciate the recent steps taken up by the State Government regarding the issue including the proposal to go to the National capital to place the issue before the Union Government.
Professor Nimai said the associations also held a talk with the tribal bodies concerned to sort out their differences in connection with the issue and find a way to save the career of the students.
He further expressed that the tribal bodies are likely to join them and continue the strike together.
The 10 days relay hunger strike at Manipur University entrance gate will be extended up to July 25 and if the Government and the authorities concerned fail to take up positive actions then the associations will intensify the agitation.
Along with people of the State, the associations might launch a mass rally in the heart of Imphal city, he added.
He also expressed gratitude to all the civil society organizations like UCM, AMUCO, CCSK, IPSA and others who came forward and extended solidarity and cooperation towards MUSU, MUTA and MUSA.
Nimai also informed that the said CSOs have also met the CM and the Governor for bringing an amicable solution at the earliest.
On the other hand, Nimai conveyed that staff and teachers of Manipur Institute of Technology (MIT) which is affiliated to Manipur University, have assured to join the strike from July 25.In connection with the issue, 6 Deans and 31 HoDs of various Department of Manipur University had already resigned from their respective posts, he said and added that today also, three Directors of Central Studies resigned from their post in support of the movement.
Three Directors of Central studies who resigned today are the Director of Centre for Studies of Manipur, Inclusive and Exclusive Studies and Entrepreneurship and Skill Development.
Nimai also assured that if the authorities concerned and the Government take up positive steps in connection with their demand, then from the next day onward, they will start functioning and take up all the pending works of the university on a war footing including the announcement of college examination results.
On the other hand Nimai said that it is very unfortunate to see some comments made by panellists during a discussion media programme regarding the rejection of the fact finding committee constituted by the HRD and claimed that it can create a wrong image in the mind of public.
He clarified that MUSA, MUTA and MUSA rejected the committee constituted by HRD and UGC as the committee is comprised of closed aides of the VC, AP Pandey and alleged that the members in the committee had even gone to Moreh together and as they don't have any belief in such a committee.
Instead of such a committee, the associations demanded an independent high level committee led by a retired Judge of Supreme Court and two members comprising of retired VCs who do not enjoy the State Government salary at present so that the committee can work on a neutral footing.
Further, Nimai stated that the associations are not satisfied with the letter sent by the Chief Secretary to the HRD Ministry as none of the stakeholders were informed or consulted by the Chief Secretary prior to sending the letter.
The situation has reached such a point that teachers and students of Benaras Hindu College, where AP Pandey was former Head of Economic Department have even staged a protest in support and solidarity with the demand to remove Pandey from the post of Manipur University VC, he claimed On the other hand, MUSU president Dayaman condemned the allegation by Manipur police that the agitation launched by the students of Manipur University were carried out under the influence of intoxicants.
Speaking to media persons, Dayaman said that it is very fortunate that such an allegation has been levelled against the students of Manipur University to create a bad image in front of the public and clarified that those who were arrested with intoxicants are not related to MUSU or the issue in any way.
He also informed that MUSU's stand to storm and disturb the ongoing State Assembly Monsoon session will not be called off until their demand is fulfilled and also appealed to all the CSOs and the public to support and take part in the protest.
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