IMPHAL, Sept 26 - Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has appealed to student organisations and other stakeholders to withdraw their 48-hour bandh as the Government is ready for talks to find an amicable solution to the vexed Manipur University issue.
The Chief Minister made the appeal in response to the bandh called by six student bodies, while talking to reporters at the Chief Minister�s Secretariat here today.
The All Manipur Students� Union, Manipuri Students� Federation, Democratic Students� Alliance of Manipur, Kangleipak Students� Association, Students� Union of Kangleipak and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup are demanding immediate withdrawal of security forces from the Manipur University campus to restore normalcy.
Singh urged the people of the State to advise the students and other stakeholders to come forward for talks with the Government because any issue can be resolved through dialogue.
Stating that the present Government is committed to the welfare of the people and saving the sanctity of the Manipur University, the Chief Minister urged the people to make a collective effort to bring back normalcy to the Manipur University. He said that bandhs and strikes have a negative impact on the State and its people.
Meanwhile, the State Chief Secretary, in an order, directed officials to attend their respective offices without fail during the bandh. The State Transport authority has also called for continuation of transport operations without any disruption. The State Assembly Secretary directed the staff to attend office as usual.
On the other hand, three women organisations � Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup, All Manipur Women�s Social Reformation and Development Nupi Samaj and All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup � have announced their support to the Statewide bandh.
Meanwhile, the State police today foiled an attempt to burn effigies of the Chief Minister here. They fired tear gas shells to disperse students of DM College of Arts, who were protesting against the arrest of university students and teachers.
