Manipur University (Image Courtesy: http://www.manipuruniv.ac.in/)
Newmai News Network
Imphal | October 1
Even as the State Government of Manipur invited the Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) for talks, four professors of the university have been placed under suspension.
According to the suspension orders issued by Professor M Shyamkesho Singh who is the Registrar in-charge of Manipur University, Professor Amar Yumnam of Economics department, Professor Ng Nimai of Physics department, Professor N Debananda of Biochemistry department and Professor M Ranjan of Mathematics department are placed under suspension. The orders cautioned the four professors that, during the period of suspension they should remain in Imphal, and they “shall not leave the said headquarters without obtaining permission of the competent authority”. Specific reasons for the suspension of the four professors are not cited in the orders. The orders only mentioned that disciplinary proceedings against the four professors were pending prior to the issuing of the orders.
Meanwhile, sources said that talk between the representatives of the MUTA and the State Government headed by the Chief Minister was underway when this report was filed.
The Manipur University impasse began on May 30. The Manipur University Staff Association (MUSA), the Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) and the Manipur University Student Union (MUSU) are demanding an enquiry into the alleged administrative and financial irregularities of the Manipur University under Vice Chancellor, Professor AP Pandey. The agitation was lifted after 85 days owing to the August 16 agreement.
However, the problems got renewed after the ‘midnight raid’ of the men’s hostel of Manipur University by security forces in the intervening night of September 20 and 21. The raid was conducted after Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university, K Yogindro Singh lodged a complaint at a police station in Imphal alleging that the students and teachers of the university “manhandled” him.
As many as 90 persons were picked up by the police in the incident. Many of the arrested persons are still in judicial custody.
It can be noted here that the All Manipur Student Union (AMSU), the Manipuri Student Federation (MSF), the Kangleipak Student Association (KSA), the SUK, the DESAM and the AIMS had imposed 48 hours recently, demanding the release of the arrested persons and also in protest against the raid.
