Manipur University: Call for 48-hour General Strike from September 26 by Students’ Bodies

Manipur University Student Union (MUSU) General Secretary, Laishram Kenedy, has issued an official notice addressed to MU’s teachers, students and the public of Manipur stating that the clauses put forth by Mr. Yugindro and his team are self contradictory. Kenedy has been in an undisclosed location following the arrests of fellow office bearers, students and faculty members of Manipur University. 

When Professor Yugindro reached the campus on September 22, the students tried to prevent him from entering as they did not accept him as the Pro Vice Chancellor (VC). However, he forcefully entered the campus. Following this, some student representatives decided to pose questions to him. He agreed but wished for the discussion to be held in a closed room. The students said they agreed to this request as they did not wish to cause any further embarrassment. Some of the more incensed students waited outside with eggs to hurl at him. In the course of the discussion, Yugindro Singh allegedly agreed with the students that his appointment was not proper and signed a document to that effect. Following the discussion, when he was leaving, the students threw eggs on his car.

Subsequently, Yugindro Singh filed an FIR, wherein he is said to have mentioned being kidnapped and held against his will in a room where he was grilled for two to three hours after which he was ‘forced’ to sign some documents. The eggs thrown at his car became ‘stones’ in his FIR. 

Also read: Mid-night Raids in Manipur University, 89 Studetnts, 6 Teachers Arrested

Kenedy’s statement lays down 10 points as to how the claims of Yugindro Singh are self contradictory. He has further condemned the midnight raids of September 20 on the Manipur University campus and termed it as  “Dictatorial Military action” of the N. Biren Singh-led BJP Government of the state. He has also demanded unconditional release of the arrested professors and students immediately. He has urged the people of Manipur to collectively stand against the government, both at the Centre and state, which is unmasking it’s fascist character day by day. 

Meanwhile, civil society organisations, different student organisations and women organisations have threatened massive protests in the state if the government does not release the arrested students. Joint Students’ Coordination Committee of Manipur (JSCC) called for a total shutdown of the University, and has organised protest demonstrations in Imphal in response to the police crackdown, while Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) has called for a boycott of examinations. 

All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Students’ Union Kangleipak (SUK) and Apunba Ireipak Maheiroi (AIMS) have given a call for a 48-hour  general strike from the midnight of September 26 over the Manipur University crisis. Several students have launched hunger strike inside and outside the campus of Manipur University which remains under the constant and heavy guard of the para military forces. 

Meanwhile, internet facilities remain suspended and mobile services have been put under surveillance, resulting in the cutting off of the region from mainland India completely. 

Several North Eastern Groups like North East Students’ Society Delhi University (NESSDU), North- East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS), United Kakching Association of Students (UNIKAS), teachers and other working people in Delhi have condemned these inhuman acts and have collectively decided to launch a mass protest against the midnight raid in Manipur University, on September 26 at 3.30 pm in the Faculty of Arts, University of Delhi.