Manipur University crisis : Public dialogue demands probe by Judge
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, July 15 2018: A public dialogue held today in Imphal demanded a judicial enquiry into the ongoing Manipur University impasse.

Since May 30, unrest has been going on in Manipur University with the students demanding the removal of Prof Adya Prasad Pandey, the Vice Chancellor of the varsity.

Today, a one-day public dialogue on "Present Crisis of Manipur University: Save Manipur University-Save Students" jointly organized by Local Surrounding People of the Manipur University Canchipur (LSPOMUC), Social Youth Club Kakwa (SYC) and Sorokhaibam Leikai Youth Development Association (SYDA) was held at Kakwa Community Hall in Imphal today.

Today's public dialogue was participated by representatives of Manipur University Teachers Association (MUTA), Manipur University Staff Association (MUSA), Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU), United Committee Manipur (UCM), All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK), Joint Students' Coordination Committee (JSCC), All Manipur College Teachers' Association (AMCTA), former Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, Ng Bijoy, senior advocate Khaidem Mani and other students leaders.

Veteran politician O Joy and Prof L Sadananda attended as moderator and co-moderator respectively in the public discussion.

In the meeting, six resolutions were adopted which "opposed instituting 'fact finding committee' by University Grants Commission which the participants of today's dialogue termed as "hogwash" .

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had instituted a 'fact finding committee' headed by UGC Joint Secretary JK Tripathy to look into allegations of negligence and misuse of funds by Vice Chancellor Adya Prasad Pandey.

The participants of the dialogue demanded to have a judicial enquiry into the varsity impasse headed by a sitting or retired High Court Judge.

They also asked authorities concerned to "remove" the present Vice Chancellor during the enquiry period.

The dialogue participants also demanded that while the enquiry is going on an interim Vice Chancellor should be appointed so that academic activities in the varsity are not affected.

Further, the public dialogue resolved to submit memoranda to the University Visitor who is the President of India, the Ministry of Human Resource Development and other authorities concerned.

The members also resolved to support the agitation and show "solidarity" to Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU), Manipur University Teachers' Association (MUTA) and MUSA.

The dialogue strongly condemned AP Pandey's statement which accused the protesting students as anti-National.

Many representatives of political parties including Ex-MLA RK Anand, who is also the convenor of High Level Committee of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, .

CPI State secretary N Sotinkumar, CPI (M) State secretary Sarat Salam and representatives from PRAJA, MPP, PPF and AMMSO also attended the programme.

MUTA president I Tomba explained that the present situation in Manipur University is a threat to the student community.

Tomba said that Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU) started the agitation on May 30 .

Immediately, after students had started the agitation, MUTA requested Vice Chancellor Professor Adya Prasad Panday to bring an amicable solution with the agitating student leaders.

They asked Pandey to clarify the MUSU's allegations against him.

"Even after repeated requests, the VC remained mute and dumb, and which means, he is unwilling to resolve the issue", alleged Tomba.

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