SMSU demands immediate release of MSAD leaders
Source: IT News

Imphal, December 11 2020: Shillong Manipuri Students' Union (SMSU) has demanded immediate released of the MSAD leaders by withdrawing the charges leveled against them in connection to their criticism to the introduction of Sanskrit in School Curriculum.

As statement signed by its President Ch Thangamba Meetei, said that the action of Government of Manipur is uncalled and charges leveled to the MSAD leaders should be immediately withdrawn.

The statement further stated that the Education Minister, Govt of Manipur, S Rajen recently stated that 'Sanskrit' would be introduced in the curriculum of schools and colleges in Manipur.

He further stated that a Sanskrit Department would be set up in Manipur University.

The Promotion of Sanskrit is being done on the lines of the new National Education Policy (NEP 2020) .

In response, the Manipur Students' Association Delhi (MSAD) in a press release on the 20th of November 2020 vehemently condemned the statement.

The SMSU terms the move of the Manipur government as being dominative and colonial in nature, thereby subjugating the Indigenous people of Manipur.

On the 30th of Nov 2020, MSAD issued a corrigendum in regard to a particular inappropriate but unintentional term.

The association expressed that it was not aimed at any particular religion or community.

Based on the said press release, two executive members, Secretary General, Singhajit Thokchom and Organization Secretary, Moirangthem Kennedy of MSAD were arrested by Manipur Police at Delhi on 7th December 2020 .

After being produced at Patiala Court, Delhi on 8th Dec 2020, the two student leaders were convicted under Sec 153-A/504/505(2)/34 of the IPC and transited to Manipur on the 10th Dec.

2020 it added.

SMSU further state that the statements of MSAD was not to malign any religion or particular groups.

It was in the interest of the Indigenous people of Manipur.

We therefore reiterate that the action of Government of Manipur is uncalled for and we appeal to the Government of Manipur to immediately release the students and withdraw the charges under Sec 153-A/504/505(2)/34 of the IPC .

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