IMPHAL, July 9: The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University’s Students Union Regional Campus Manipur (IGNTUSU-RCM) has demanded a clarification and unconditional apology from the Vice Chancellor from the university head quarter at Amarkantak, for using ‘inflammatory and defamatory’ remarks against the students leaders.
Speaking to media persons in this regards during a press conference held at Manipur Press Club, Manglien Gangte, president of the student union clarified that are not ‘self sytled leaders’ as branded by the VC in a letter to address to the students.
The leaders of the IGNTUSU-RCM are elected for a one year term through an inclusive and consultative democratic process, it illuminated.
They contended that the VC’s accusation levelled against the students’ body of being a threat to the university was not true.
In fact the students body had assured the Chief Minister during a meeting at his office on June 30 they would abstain from any such activities, they further added.
They said the meeting was also attended by Education Minister, Chief Secretary, Commissioner of Higher Education etc.
It may be noted that in a letter addressed to ‘talented students’ the VC mentioned the students “working against the interest and functioning of academics and administration for more than one month and paralysing the entire atmosphere with a fear to life to staff and property”.
The same letter had been published in some of the local dailies which the students alleged was done before the concerned recipients got the letters.
The very act of disclosing documents meant for others before the intended recipients is a serious violation of official communication protocol amounting to gross indiscretion, it opined.
It further held that the IGNTU head quarter is solely responsible for the June 21 incident prompted due to failure of the University to respect and abide by the memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the IGNTUSU-RCM and the IGNTU headquarters in two occasions.
Pointing out that the while signing the Prof. Tripathy, dean of social sciences represented on behalf of the IGNTU, where it was resolved that the matter regarding action against the officials is to be taken within ten days on or before June 20 by the VC failing which it was suggested the students are free to take their own decision.