Imphal, Oct 13: Demanding revocation of the Academic Council meeting resolution adopted on October 8, different Tribal students’ body today staged a rally and submitted memorandum to the governor of Manipur.
The protest rally that kicks off from Adimjati Complex at Chingmeirong was organized jointly by All Triba Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM), All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) and Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) GHQ.
Placards with slogans “our right is our life”, “shame on you MU authority”,” punish the law violators VC and registered”, “follow 31% for ST, follow parliament act 2012”, “respect tribal rights” etc.
From Adimjati complex the large number of tribal students proceeded towards North AOC and then to Governor’s Bungalow along the PWD road. The students were however, intervene by a strong team of police near PCTC Oil depot near DM College. After a brief confrontation the Police after getting permission from the higher authority allow 5 representatives of the to submit their memorandum to the governor of Manipur. The 5 member team was led by Joseph Hmar, President ATSUM and Seth Shatsang, President ANSAM.
In the memorandum submitted today it is mentioned that the root cause of the present imbroglio in Manipur University can be traced back to UGC letter no. 21-2/2015(CU) dated 23rd march 2016. On the basis of this letter which sent to all 40 central university in India, the deans committee of Manipur university in its meeting held 4h April toke a hasty decision without seeking clarification from UGC to implement the all India reservation norms of 7.5% for ST 15% for SC, 27% for OBC in admission and recruitment overlooking the high court of Manipur order date 03.09 2014 and the central educational institutions act 2016 and as amended in 2012 the Dean committee resolution was strongly condemned by Manipur University Tribal students Union backed by ATSUM as it was reversal to the existing parliament act and a direct attempt to further discriminate and marginalize the tribal community in the state of Manipur by limiting access to higher education learning.
It also mention that the latest MU Academic council meeting held on 11 October 2016 decided to refer the matter to the visitor instead of complying the high court order to comply with the amended reservation act of 2006.
The memorandum also urged the attention of the governor stating that unless strict corrective measures are not taken at the earliest it would tantamount to encouraging disrespect of the rule of law and violating the parliament act. Any decision taken by MU academic council against the Central Educational Institutional (Reservation in Admission) amendment act 2012 will attract prompt interference from all quarters which may pave May to social upheavals and social divide between the already divided hill and valley dwellers, the memorandum added.
