Manipur: All-party meet resolves to ask MU VC to go on leave

23 July 2018:

An all-party meeting in Manipur held on Sunday resolved to ask Manipur University vice chancellor Adya Prasad Pandey to go on leave.

Emerging from the meeting, BJP spokesperson Th Radheshyam told reporters: “The present crisis in Manipur University was discussed in detail. It was decided that a pro vice-chancellor will be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Manipur University Act. The fact-finding committee will also be urged to initiate and conclude its proceedings within the stipulated time. It was further resolved that the VC be asked to proceed on leave”.

It may be mentioned that the students and the faculty of the university have been agitating for nearly two months demanding his ouster. There are altogether 17 charges levelled against him by the protestors. One of them is his alleged misappropriation of funds.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, also discussed issues related to Indo-Myanmar border pillar and the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed between the Centre and the Isak-Muivah faction of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM).

The meeting resolved to convene a special Assembly Session to discuss the possibilities of ongoing peace talks between the Centre and the NSCN-IM.

On the controversy that erupted after Myanmar authorities erected the border pillar number 81 allegedly well inside Manipur’s territory, the meeting resolved to constitute a committee that will consist of a representative from each political party. It was resolved that a team from the Centre and other stakeholders will visit the disputed site for an on-the-spot verification on July 24.

The meeting was attended by 21 political parties except opposition Congress.