Newmai News Network Imphal | September 28 Normal life in Imphal and other valley districts was partially affected for the second day today because of the 48-hour bandh called by the All Manipur Student Union (AMSU), Manipuri Student Federation (MSF), Kangleipak Student Association (KSA), SUK, DESAM and AIMS, and supported by several other organizations. The bandh which began in the midnight of September 26, was called in protest against the ‘midnight raid’ of a hostel in Manipur University by the police in the intervening night of September 20 and 21 after Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university, K Yogindro Singh had reportedly lodged a complaint at a police station in Imphal alleging that the students and teachers of the university “manhandled” him. The bandh was also to demand the release of students and teachers who were arrested by the police. On the second and final day of the bandh, an auto-rickshaw was set on fire by suspected bandh supporters at Keishampat area in Imphal West district this afternoon. Otherwise, the bandh was peaceful. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (CPI), Manipur State Council, has accused the Biren Singh Government of working hard to “bring back” Prof AP Pandey to the Manipur University. Speaking to media persons today, L Sotinkumar, Secretary of the CPI, Manipur State Council, alleged that the “midnight raid” of the men’s hostel in Manipur University last week by the police was the “attempt of the State Government to obtain certain documents”. Also speaking to media, Karam Shyam, minister of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution, said that the State government is trying hard to resolve the issue. He also said that dialogue should be held to bring an amicable solution to the impasse. Deeply shocked by attack: WAD Meanwhile, Women Action for Development (WAD) said it was “deeply shocked” by the raid of the hostel in Manipur University. It then condemned the “attack of Manipur University (MU) by the huge numbers of security forces” on the intervening night of September 20 and 21 “without giving any prior information”. According to WAD, it was very unfortunate that the “Government is creating a very bad impression to the young mind which unfortunately would mark the gloomiest period in the history of Manipur”. WAD further said that the “attack” was very much unfortunate, “and this is extremely violating the fundamental rights given by the Constitution of India”. It can be noted here that Manipur University Staff Association (MUSA), Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) and Manipur University Student Union (MUSU) lifted agitation after 85 days owing to the August 16 agreement. The MUSA, MUTA and MUSU had protested for 85 days demanding enquiry into the “administrative and financial irregularities” in the management of the university under Prof A P Pandey. The three organizations also accused Prof A P Pandey, Vice Chancellor of the varsity of taking frequent leave.
