IMPHAL, June 6 - The normal functioning of the Manipur University has been completely paralysed since the past three days after the students of the university enforced an indefinite shutdown, demanding immediate replacement of the university Vice Chancellor, Adya Prasad Pandey.
The Manipur University Students� Union (MUSU) had initially shut down the administrative block of the varsity for three days from May 31, demanding the resignation of the VC. But the agitation has since been intensified. The varsity students� union alleged that the VC has failed to take any initiative for the development of the institution.
In view of the shutdown, the entire Canchipur campus of the university near here, which throbs with academic activities, wore a desolate look on Wednesday. All university departments and centres and the main administrative block, including the Vice Chancellor�s office, were locked up. Even the branches of the State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda located in the varsity campus remained closed due to the MUSU-sponsored shutdown.
�The present scenario in our university is affecting our academic career. So we are requesting the authorities concerned to resolve the issue in the greater interest of the students,� an MA student said on condition of anonymity.
The ongoing semester examinations of the varsity, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, have been postponed. Many students, including outstation medical students, have not been able to collect their certificates since the last seven days.
It is very unfortunate that the VC has turned a deaf ear to the students� demands, a student supporting the shutdown said. He warned that the agitation would continue till the VC resigns. Meanwhile, the VC could not be contacted for his comments. The varsity PRO, who is the head of the Mass Communication department, has also resigned from the post.
