IMPHAL, Sept 4 - Fresh trouble may brew in the crisis-ridden Manipur University as Prof AP Pandey, the embattled Vice Chancellor of the varsity, has brushed aside the leave extension order issued to him by the Registrar in-charge of the varsity.
Talking to reporters here, Prof Pandey stressed that he cannot accept the order that came from a subordinate authority. He said that after the completion of his 30-day leave, he had resumed duty. He added that since he is the Vice Chancellor, no order issued by anyone from the university is valid without his knowledge. Prof Pandey added that he had to rejoin office after completion of his leave to avoid disciplinary action against him.
It may be mentioned here that an order from the Manipur University, signed by Dorendrajit Singh, Registrar in-charge of the varsity, said on Monday that the �leave of the Vice Chancellor has been extended with effect from September 1 until completion of the inquiry proceedings� against the latter �and until necessary follow up action is taken on the inquiry report by the competent authority�.
Meanwhile, sources said that the Manipur University Students� Union (MUSU), Manipur University Teachers� Association (MUTA) and Manipur University Staff Association (MUSA) have stuck to their stand that if the �competent authority� fails to take action against Prof Pandey by September 4, they would resume their agitation.
The three organisations had lifted their agitation after 85 days following an agreement on August 16. According to the agreement, Prof Pandey would be on leave during the enquiry period.
The MUSA, MUTA and MUSU are demanding an enquiry into the �administrative and financial irregularities� in the management of the university. The three organisations have also accused the Vice Chancellor of taking frequent leave.
