General strike against VC paralyses Manipur

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, July 18, 2018: Forty-eight hours general strike imposed by Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) demanding ouster of the varsity vice-chancellor Adya Prasad Pandey has paralysed Manipur.

The general strike began on Tuesday midnight.

The strike is supported by All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Students’ Union of Kangleipak (SUK), Apunba Ireipak Maheiroi Singpang Lup (AIMS), Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF) and Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA).

All business establishments have been shut down. Transports connecting Imphal have been cut off.

Strike supporters block road in several parts of the state. Road passing in front of the Manipur University has been blocked in front of the varsity gate since Tuesday midnight.

Flames and smokes were seen along the roads besides barricading with polls and stones on the road.

Similar scenes were seen in different parts of the state.

MUSU, president, M. Dayaman said removal of vice-chancellor Pandey is the only solution to the varsity impasse and for this the teachers, students and staff of the varsity community stand united.

Essential services and religious activities were exempted during the strike.

MUSU has been agitating since May 30 demanding ouster of Pandey from the vice-chancellor’s post. The student body intensified the agitation by launching total shut down strike on June 6.

The student body levelled Pandey allegations ranging administrative hazard to misuse of funds who fails to listen to pleas of the varsity community for the welfare of the varsity.