A public discourse on ‘The present crisis in Manipur University its possible solution’ was held under the aegis of the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) Manipur State council at Manipur Press Club in Imphal on Friday.
Most of the speakers including the members of Manipur University Teachers Association (MUTA), Manipur University Staffs Association (MUSA) and AISF leaders shared their views in the day’s discourse which was attended by Prof N Joykumar (retired) and Prof P Nabachandra (retired) as presidium members.
AISF national general secretary Vishwajit Kumar, who was here to oversee the ongoing crisis in Manipur University (MU), speaking on the occasion, said that he came here not only to share the solidarity but also to take part in the movement physically as the issue of the MU is connected not only to the students, teachers and employees but also to the citizens of the country.
Also read: Indefinite shutdown continues in Manipur University
Kumar also that they would organize protest in the national capital in association with the Manipur students once he returns back.
President S Jibankumar of MUSA, key members of the MUTA, Prof Devendra Ningthouja and Prof S Dorendrajit and others, also speaking on the occasion, shared their ultimate demand of removing VC Pandey from his position in the ‘academic interest’ of the university.
In his speech, MUSA president Jibankumar said the period of negotiation is over. So they are now ready to launch various forms of agitation unless the VC Pandey is removed from his position by organising relay hunger strike from July 9 followed by mass rally next week.
The MUSA president also sought public support and cooperation for intensifying the ongoing movement to save the university for future generation of the State.
The day’s discourse was organized amidst protest in Manipur University which is going on for more than a month without any intervention from the authorities concerned over the demand for removal of Vice Chancellor Prof Adya Prasad Pandey from his position for the ‘academic interest’ of the university .
It may recalled that Manipur University Students’ Union launched an indefinite shutdown of the university since May 30, demanding removal of the VC Pandey over 15 allegations of financial and administrative irregularities, including unofficial tours and violation of the university Act. MUTA and MUSA have been supporting the stir.