The Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) on Saturday out rightly rejected Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s invitation for talks to end the renewed impasse in the University.
Also read: State Govt open to holding parleys with Manipur University representatives
Declining the Chief Minister’s invitation, the association demanded immediate and unconditional release of the students and teachers arrested by Manipur Police during the mid-night raid on the intervening night of September 20-21 at the University campus.
All the members of MUTA who held a meeting chaired by its president Prof I Tomba strongly condemned the inhuman and brutal action of the security forces on the intervening night of September 20-21.
They also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all the teachers, students and other persons who have been arrested arbitrarily in connection with the on-going crisis at the Manipur University.
The meeting further resolved that MUTA welcomes facilitation from any individual or organisation to help resolve the Manipur University crisis.
Interacting with the media after the meeting, Prof I Tomba said that after discussions with colleagues and stakeholders, they ultimately decided not to attend the meeting with the Chief Minister.
He asserted that the condition is not conducive for talks as the teachers and students are in judicial custody.
Later in a letter written in response to the Chief Minister’s invitation, MUTA urged the Chief Minister to release the arrested faculty members and teachers unconditionally and to withdraw the FIR lodged against the teachers and students.
The association also demanded immediate halt on all forms of harassment to the teachers and students.
They also demanded the removal of the state security forces from the University campus immediately.
