Manipur Univ impasse: bandh affects normal life

Volunteers imposing the bandh in Imphal on July 18. (NNN Photo)
  Newmai News Network Imphal | July 18 Normal life in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur was crippled by the 48-hour “statewide general strike” imposed by Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) demanding the removal of Professor AP Pandey from the post of Vice Chancellor of Manipur University.   The general strike began last midnight supported by various student organizations including All Manipur Students Union (AMSU), Students’ Union of Kangleipak (SUK), Manipuri Students Federation (MSF), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) and Apunba Ireipak Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS). Civil organizations like Lilong United Clubs Organisation (SLUCO), Singjamei to Lilong Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (SLIMPAL), Local Surrounding People of Manipur University, Canchipur, CCSK, IPSA, ACOAM-Lup, Pangal Students Organisation Manipur, All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation, All Manipur Nupi Marup, AISF Manipur State Council and Manipur People’s Party (MPP) have also pledged unstinted support to the 48 hour general strike called by MUSU.   From the early morning, the strike supporters came out in the streets to stop the vehicular movements.   Inter-state and inter-district vehicular services remained off the roads due to the strike. However, essential services like medical, religious ceremonies, water supply, electricity and media persons were exempted from the purview of the general strike. Business establishments, including shops, schools, colleges, banks and markets remained closed.   The police remained on high alert in various Imphal areas especially in sensitive locations including Sanjenthong, Keishampat, Moirangkhom, BJP head office and Raj Bhawan peripheries to prevent untoward incidents.   Fact finding committee formed Meanwhile, a Fact Finding Committee was constituted by Ministry of Human Resources and Development (HRD) to look into the allegations made against the Vice Chancellor of Manipur University AP Pandey, according to a statement from the Manipur Chief Minister's office. The committee will be headed by retired Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court T Nandakumar. The other two members of the committee are JK Tripathi, Joint Secretary UGC (Member), Surat Singh, Deputy Secretary Higher Education MHRD.