In an interesting development to the on-going impasse of the Manipur University the University community on Wednesday made a sensational revelation that State Chief minister, N Biren Singh has ‘warned’ Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) that there is ‘possibility of deploying forces to close down the varsity, until the issue is resolved’.
Also read: Twist in tale: Manipur University issues ‘notice’ to agitators
The university community also strongly condemned the statement issued by HRD Ministry on Tuesday, asking the State Government to ‘close hostels and other premises of the varsity’ as published in a local daily.
Interacting with media at the office of MUTA at the Manipur University campus, its spokesperson, N Nimai Singh said the report reflects the continuation of the ‘tried approach’ of the Centre to brand anyone from the State as ‘anti-national’ and thus ultimately rationalize elimination.
The spokesperson claimed all the teachers, staffs and students of the varsity are ready to face the ‘consequence of any repressive measures’ adopted by the government to suppress democratic agitation and stands firm to struggle till Adya Prasad Pandey is removed from the Vice-Chancellor’s post.
Stating that there is no public relations officer in the Manipur University Act and the one PRO forcedly appointed by the Vice-Chancellor has already resigned, he asked Pandey to stop giving audacious comment by using the name of PRO office.
Meanwhile, Manipur University Students’ Union president, Mayanglambam Dayaman said it is very unfortunate that the HRD ministry is trying to use forces against the university community to save an ‘irresponsible’ Vice-Chancellor instead of acknowledging the depth of the agitation and the sufferings of the students.