SEMCO students protest appointment of new principal
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, February 25 2025: Denouncing the appointment of a new principal despite presence of the incumbent principal, students of South East Manipur College (SEMCO) Komlathabi, in Chandel district, locked the principal and administrative block offices and staged protest at the college gate on Monday.

A release issued by SEMCO Students' Union general secretary Sk Wangdam Lamkang cautioned of persisting with democratic protests if the order for appointment of the new principal is not revoked.

Thiimziih Teen Bujuur Ruwrkheh (TTBR)/Moyon Naga Students' Union also opposed the February 21 order issued by the government regarding appointment of a new principal for SEMCO and extended support to the protesting students of the college.

As per a release by TTBR Information & Publicity Cell, the college students have been protesting appointment of a non-local principal during such a sensitive period in the state.

The students believe that such an arbitrary move of the government will disrupt peaceful functioning of the college as well as have adverse effect to their academic pursuit.

TTBR also informed that on Tuesday, the protesting students along with student bodies of the district, including TTBR and Naga Students' Union, Chandel (NSUC), stopped the newly appointed principal from entering the college to report for duty.

"This reflects the deep concerns of the students on the government taking arbitrary and swift decisions without Considering the students' concerns at a time when the social situation in Manipur is in critical state," it said.

TTBR also urged authorities concerned to recognise the importance of maintaining stability in Chandel district and local leadership during these challenging times.

The present principal in-charge has successfully led the college, as is evident from the improved NAAC accreditation grade and the active involvement of student in academic and co-curricular activities, it pointed out.

Further claiming that there is no immediate need of a new principal for SEMCO as the present in-charge is capable and qualified enough, it questioned why the present principal-in-charge is not considered for the post.

TTBR further called on the authority to act swiftly and reconsider the order of appointment of the new principal, to avoid further unrest and ensure the continued growth and stability of the college.

SEMCO students along with the TTBR also requested authorities concerned to appoint the present principal in-charge as the principal of the college.

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