The Pangal Students’ Union (PSU), Dhanamanjuri University, has expressed solidarity with the Dhanamanjuri University Students’ Union (DMUSU) and non-JRF research scholars of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) who are undertaking an indefinite hunger strike demanding the release of their pending stipends.
In a statement, the PSU said the pending stipends of research scholars from the 2022, 2024 and 2026 batches, reportedly affecting around 800 scholars, are a matter of serious concern.
It stated that the demand for timely release of stipends is legitimate and justified, stressing that financial support for research scholars is not a privilege but essential assistance linked to their academic and research responsibilities.
The student body strongly condemned what it termed negligence towards higher education and research, and questioned whether the prolonged delay could weaken the intellectual foundation of society.
The PSU urged the Government of Manipur and all concerned authorities to immediately release the pending stipends and address the grievances of the affected research scholars.
It further extended its full support to the scholars’ struggle and said it would stand in solidarity with any further democratic and peaceful course of action undertaken until their demands are met.