Our Correspondent
Imphal, June 25 (EMN): The indefinite shutdown of the Manipur University has completely paralysed the normal functioning of all the 34 departments, centres, and administration at Canchipur near Imphal. The post graduate examination of 2018 which was scheduled to be conducted in June has also been postponed till further notice.
The Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) launched the shut down demanding the removal of its vice chancellor (VC), Prof Adya Prasad Pandey, since May 30.
Citing 15 point charges against the VC including regular ‘unofficial’ tour and violation of University Act, the MUSU in a memorandum to state governor Dr. Najma Heptulla, stated to have alleged that the Manipur University, under the tenure of Prof. Pandey as VC, has been witnessing a series of crisis arising out of the mismanagement and disappointments of the university’s authority in academic and administrative matters.
‘After remaining silent for more than half a month, everyone called for a resolution of the ongoing crisis in the university,’ the VC told reporters on Sunday stating that he is still trying his best to resolve the ongoing crisis. But he failed to give any time frame to bring an amicable solution.
“However, sometimes in my leave notice, I did not mention the return date in view of the uncertainty in the date of accomplishment of my works at the UGC, HRD ministry, or other ministries,” said Pandey. “Moreover, the expenditure incurred on the official visits cannot be considered as loss of the University,” he added.
Clarifying that there is no violation of Manipur University Act, he claimed that the “allegation of manipulating court meeting is false and baseless,” while citing that nothing can be achieved overnight and that there are competent authorities to look after for irregularities.
Meanwhile, Manipur University Teachers Association (MUTA) has demanded constitution of a high level enquiry commission to judge the facts relating to the allegations which has been levelled against the present VC and his subsequent clarification on the charges.
An emergency executive committee and special invitees meeting of MUTA with its president, Prof. I Tomba, in the chair here took a decision in this regard on Monday, sources said.
According to the general secretary of MUTA, Prof. L Shanjukumar, the meeting of MUTA further resolved about participating in the joint sit-in protest of MUTA, MUSU, and Manipur University Staffs Association which is about to be conducted on June 26,.
On the other hand, the locals surrounding the university in association with various clubs have urged the concerned authorities to resolve the ongoing crisis at the earliest.
