Imphal, December 16: Expressing serious concern over the abduction of Manipur University Vice Chancellor Dr N Bijoy Singh and the Registrar Dr RK Ranjan Singh by unidentified persons, several organisations have appealed for the safe and early release of the two even as a sit-in-protest was staged at the university campus today.

Joining the release appeal chorus, Education Minister Francis Ngajokpa informed The Sangai Express that the State Government has been put in a precarious position as identity of the captors have not been ascertained.

The Manipur University sit-in-protest organised jointly by MUTA, MUOA, MUSA, MUWWA and MUSU was held from 11.30 am till 4 pm to demand the safe and immediate release of the two.

It was participated by members of the MU faculty, officers, staff and students.

Talking to reporters at the agitation site, the protestors decried that such disruptive action is totally against the processes being pursued to upgrade the quality of the highest learning institution since MU's elevation to Central university.

MUTA members also warned of lauhching class boycott agitation in case the two are not released at the earliest.

Reacting to news report linking the abduction to appointment of AVRC Director, they explained that neither the VC nor the Registrar have to power to affect appointment or cancellation pertaining to the post.

The appointment of AVRC Director is solely based upon recommendation of the expert committee composed of members from other States, they added.

Contending that prolong detention of the two would severely hamper the academic atmosphere in all aspect, All Manipur Students' Union demanded that the captors release the VC and Registrar without further delay.

Highlighting endeavours and contributions of Dr Bijoy to streamline the RIMS administration during his stint as the Director of the premier medical institution of the North East region and initiative to upgrade Manipur University as a Central varsity many organisations lamented that abduction of the two MU officials had led to anxiety among the general public especially the student community.

Stating that abduction of the two is against the interest of the students, the bodies desired that even though the two might have erred, if any, they should be given an opportunity to rectify their conduct.

Members of the Manipur College Teachers' Association in an emergency meeting held today resolved to appealed to the abductors to release the two immediately.

An emergency executive member meeting of Teachers and Medical Officers' Association, Junior Doctors' Association and Non-Teaching Staffs Association also resolved to appeal for unconditional release of Dr N Bijoy and Dr RK Ranjan.

The unfortunate incident involving the highest centre of learning may vitiate the academic atmosphere in all the educational institutions affiliated to the MU, the press release conveying the meeting procedure observed.

Bodies appealing for release of the two on humanitarian ground are All Manipur College Teachers' Association, Naorem Birahari College (Khundrakpam), Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh, Institute of British English (Lamlong Bazar), Youth Action Committee (Lamlong Bazar), All Manipur Senior Citizens' Welfare Association, Lainingthou Ahanba Development Committee Lai Konung (Khurai), Lainingthou Ahanba Club cum Information Centre (Kburai), All Manipui Gorkha Students' Union, Youth Social Club cum Information Centre (Ayangpalli Road, Khurai), Ayuvedic College and Hospital (Khabam Chumbreithong), Union of Social Upliftment (Khurai Lamlong Keithel), Kongba Makha Nandeibam Leikai NupiLup, Manipur Cultural Integration Conference (Palace Compound), Generation de New Image (Ningthoukhong) and Emoinu Library cum Sporting Association (Kongba Nandeibam Leikai).

PMO seeks detailed report: The Prime Ministers Office has sought all the relevant details of the abduction of MU VC Dr Ng Bijoy and Registrar Dr RK Ranjan Singh from the Chief Minister.

A reliable source informed TSE that the PMO has sought a detailed report on the abduction and the steps taken up by the State Govt to deal with the matter.

Following the message from the PMO, the Chief Minister convened a meeting, today with the VC-in-charge Prof Amuba, Prof Bimola and top ranking police officers today.

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