MU once again in troubled waters

Manipur University, once regarded as the intellectual nerve centre of the State, finds itself once again drowning in controversy. The shadow of corruption, administrative manipulation, and unethical practices has returned to haunt the campus, reminding the public of the dark and turbulent era under former Vice-Chancellor A.P. Pandey. Back then, the University was a battleground — filled with allegations of misrule, irregular appointments, and high-handedness that eventually drew the intervention of the Manipur High Court.
The Court, after carefully examining the situation, appointed an Administrator to restore order and clean up the academic chaos. Before that, an acting Vice-Chancellor — a man known for his integrity — was temporarily put in charge, providing a short-lived phase of stability. Later, the appointment of a local academician as the regular Vice-Chancellor was met with optimism. The people of Manipur, including the academic community and students, hoped that finally, a new chapter would begin — one that would strengthen the academic foundation and revive the sanctity of the institution.
Unfortunately, that hope now seems misplaced. Beneath the calm surface, troubling developments have started surfacing once again. Despite the restraint shown by media houses and student bodies — who consciously avoided publicizing minor administrative lapses to protect the University’s reputation — it appears that the rot runs deeper than anyone expected.
The latest storm revolves around serious allegations of irregularities in the appointment of a Professor in the Department of Teachers’ Education. Reports suggest that the rules of recruitment were openly violated to favour certain individuals. What is more concerning is the suspicious timing of recent recruitment drives. Just days before the Ministry of Education issued an advertisement for the post of a new Vice-Chancellor, the University administration hurriedly pushed forward pending recruitment processes — both for non-teaching positions advertised in March and for fresh appointments of faculties in 20 departments announced barely two days before the VC notification.
Such hasty administrative manoeuvres raise critical questions: Why the sudden rush? Why were these recruitment drives accelerated when the incumbent Vice-Chancellor is on the verge of retirement within six to eight months? What interest does the outgoing administration have in making permanent appointments just before a leadership change? These are not mere coincidences — they hint at a deliberate attempt to manipulate institutional processes for personal or political gain.
Even more disheartening is the alleged targeting of individuals who attempted to expose the irregularities. Instead of addressing the core issues raised, the University authorities have reportedly chosen to mislead and pressure an innocent guest faculty member. Shockingly, a legal notice has even been sent to Imphal Times — a newspaper that has played a consistent role in upholding journalistic responsibility and public accountability. This act reeks of intimidation and an attempt to silence the press — a dangerous precedent for an institution that should be a beacon of free thought and open discourse.
If the University administration believes it can hide behind legal threats and bureaucratic gamesmanship, it is gravely mistaken. The truth has a way of surfacing, and once the recruitment irregularities and misuse of authority are legally scrutinized, those involved will have to face the consequences. The guest faculty member who has been manipulated into issuing the notice must also realise that her professional standing and the legitimacy of her appointment could come under question once formal investigations begin.
The Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) must not remain silent spectators. A comprehensive audit — both administrative and financial — must be conducted immediately. All ongoing recruitments should be frozen until a new Vice-Chancellor is appointed. Those found guilty of manipulating the system must be held accountable, regardless of rank or affiliation.
Manipur University is not the private property of any individual or group. It belongs to the people of Manipur in particular and India in general — to the students whose future depends on its credibility, to the teachers who serve with sincerity, and to the larger academic community that looks to it as a symbol of intellectual progress. The silence of the honest cannot be mistaken for approval of the corrupt.
If timely intervention does not come, Manipur University risks collapsing under the same weight of arrogance, nepotism, and mismanagement that once pushed it to the brink of disgrace. The people of Manipur will not forgive another betrayal of their trust. The time for cosmetic reform is over — what the University now needs is a full, fearless cleansing of its system before its very soul is lost to corruption again.