Polytechnic students protest, seven detained
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 15 2025: Police detained seven students of Government Polytechnic at Takyel who were demanding appointment of adequate faculty members and urgent improvements in the institute's infrastructure.

The students had kept the college gate under lock since September 9 to press their demands.

Today, a team of Lamphel police broke open the gate, leading to a heated altercation with the protesting students.

During the clash, at least seven students sustained injuries, and seven others were detained and taken to custody.

The police team was led by SDPO Lamphel and Officer in Charge of Lamphel police station.

The students were released around 5 pm.

The students who were hauled up are Kariukhuan Gonmei, Runlel Phungthahrin Anal, Dhakeshwar Hawaibam, Athokpam Abinash, Thingom Arun, Muhammad Firdos and Ronaldo Yumkhaibam.

The students withdrew their protest for the day after an appointment was given to them to meet Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla tomorrow.

Speaking to the media, one of the students said that their protest, which began on August 28, was sparked by the authorities' failure to address their demands.

Saying that they submitted a memorandum to the Governor on August 1, highlighting the critical shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as the institute's deteriorating infrastructure, he added that these issues, however, remain unresolved.

Notably, the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) had issued notices to the relevant Government officials, seeking their response and action plan to address the issues at the Government Polytechnic at Takyelpat such as shortage of teachers and staff, lack of a safe hostel for girl students and frequent theft of vehicles and equipment by September 18 .

The World Meitei Organisation has meanwhile denounced police' use of "force" against student protesters.

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