IMPHAL, Oct 10 - A fresh clash between agitating students and the State police was reported inside the Manipur University campus today. The incident occurred when a group of students demanding immediate release of arrested varsity teachers and students, tried to storm the Administrative (A) Block of the university at its Cachipur campus, about 7 km south of Imphal, sources said.
However, the police prevented them from doing so in front of the entrance to the block by firing teargas shells. Later, the police picked up around a dozen students for verification.
Police sources said the verification drive was conducted after taking prior permission from the university authority.
Today�s incident occurred at a time when teachers of the university were on mass casual leave in protest against the delay in unconditional release and withdrawal of the FIR lodged against the teachers, students and staff.
Meanwhile, urging the Government �to bring an immediate end to this unfortunate disruption in the Manipur University,� the Centre for Organisation Research and Education, an NGO, said the university authorities must maintain a conducive, dignified and peaceful environment in the campus during the inquiry being conducted by a high-level independent committee.
On the other hand, the Human Rights Alert, a rights body, has petitioned the State DGP, LM Khaute, to release the arrested Manipur University teachers and students.
The Manipur University has been embroiled in fresh turmoil after the police raid on the boys� hostels in the intervening night of September 20 and 21 following a complaint. The university � which had remained closed for almost three months in view of the total shutdown clamped by the Manipur University Students� Union since May 30, demanding removal of Vice Chancellor Prof Adya Prasad Pandey on charges of irregularities � resumed its normal activities from August 23 after a Memorandum of Agreement was signed with the Government on August 16.
