IMPHAL, July 3 - President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed his views on resolving the Manipur University crisis at the earliest.
The President conveyed his view when a 12-member Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (I) delegation, led by former Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, called on him and apprised him of the ongoing crisis during a meeting at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, according to MPCC(I) sources here.
Two Congress MPs Dr Th Meinya and Thangso Baite also attended the meeting with the President. The MPCC(I) delegation had left Imphal on June 25 to meet Central leaders on various sensitive issues of Manipur.
Meanwhile, expressing solidarity with the university community comprising students, teachers and staff in the ongoing agitation against Vice Chancellor Prof Adya Prasad Pandey, about 26 heads of departments of the Manipur University have so far tendered their resignation, according to sources.
The development came after the Manipur University Teachers� Association (MUTA) announced its non-cooperation movement following an emergency meeting. The MUTA also resolved to urge the Prime Minister, who is the university�s Visitor, the Union Human Resource Development Minister who is the Chief Rector of the university, and the Chief Minister to institute a high-level inquiry to probe the alleged financial and administrative irregularities committed by Prof Pandey as the Vice Chancellor.
It may be mentioned here that the Manipur University Students� Union (MUSU) has launched an indefinite shutdown of the university since May 30, demanding removal of the Vice Chancellor over financial and administrative irregularities, including unofficial tours and violation of the university Act. The students� stir was also supported by the Manipur University Staff Association and locals residing around the university campus.
