Students disrupt DMC events
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 06 2013: DM College of Science students briefly disrupted the 67th foundation anniversary celebration of the college cum inauguration ceremony of a multi-purpose hall at the college campus today by accusing Education Minister M Okendro of incompetency and demanding his resignation.

Only moments into the dual event, some students among the audience unwrapped large banners/placards inscribed with numerous demands even as they raised slogans against the Education Minister, who was among other the dignitaries on the dais.

After a brief commotion security escort personnel of the dignitaries managed to herd out the protesting students from inside the newly constructed hall.

Arrival of police reinforcement led by SP Imphal West K Jayanta led to discussions with the protesting students and further restoration of normalcy at the site.

The police team stayed till the end of the event, jointly organised by DM College Alumni Association and Organising Committee of Dhanamanjuri College.

Reflecting on the protest during his speech, Minister Okendro said even if some section of students are not satisfied with his performance as the Education Minister it would be presumptuous to conclude that he is not committed to eradicating ills afflicting the education system of Manipur.

Noting presence of many former students and teachers of the College among the audience at the dual event, Okendra wondered why the students had chosen such an auspicious occasion to air their grievances.

Further opining that all genuine issues could be deliberated in a cordial manner rather than creating chaotic scenes, the Minister assured that decision on appointment of a Principal would be finalised within September 5 .

Calling upon the student community to refrain from any activities that could result in destruction of college properties, Okendro explained that out of the total budgetary allocation of Rs 14.5 crore, Rs 2 crore are being utilised for infrastructure development, particularly in providing adequate laboratory equipment, with the remaining amount exhausted in paying salary of the teaching faculty and non-teaching staff.

Regarding issue of college boundary the Revenue Department would be the most appropriate authority to comment, said the Minister while observing that as DMC campus was registered under the royal family/king finding a definite solution will take some more time.

Conveying that every official process is on the right tract for DM college to become a deemed university, Okendro also said his earlier commitment to complete construction of teachers' guest house at Bengali High School complex within September 5 is unlikely to materialise owing to blockade and both natural and man-made calamities.

Along with informing that other infrastructure development works such as hall on the North AOC point of the college campus and toilet complex of DM College of Arts are being carried out in full swing, he reminded that discipline among the students is foremost for a future progressive society.

As one of the guests of honour, Thangmeiband AC MLA Kh Joykisan pledged his personal contribution in the development of DMC Science of DMC Commerce along with offering to develop the approach road to the DMC Arts toilet complex.

He also appealed to the students to exercise maximum restrain and highlight their grievances in an orderly manner.

In the presence of top Government officials and former principals of the three DM colleges, position holders in the BA, BSc and BCom 2012 examinations were honoured on the occasion with the presentation of gold medals and other awards by the dignitaries.

Meanwhile, awang Nongpok Imphal Loumee Apunba Lup, Lamboikhul (Tiger Camp) strongly condemning the recent spate of bomb attacks against Agriculture Department personnel reminded all concerned that not only is Department helping the farmers to sustain livelihood but is also contributing immensely in the development of the State's economy.

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