Manipur University teachers, students released

Six teachers and eight students of the Manipur University were released Tuesday after a case against them was closed by a local court following the request of police.

Imphal West Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) L Tonsing ordered immediate release of the 14 persons who were in judicial custody.

They were arrested in a midnight raid on September 21 after an FIR was lodged on a complaint by then acting Vice Chancellor Prof Yugindro Singh, who had charged them with illegal confinement, attempt to murder, kidnapping amid other charges.

Altogether 89 students and six teachers were taken into custody from the university hostel and residential quarters in Imphal early on September 21 following an agitation the day before. However, most of the students were released later.

The investigation officer prayed for closing the case on the ground of insufficiency of evidences and the CJM accepted the request.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Tuesday morning announced that all the teachers and students would be released later in the day and "normalcy will be restored" in the university.

The move followed an agreement reached by the government with the student bodies, he said.

Governor Najma Heptulla expressed her happiness at the release of the students and teachers and said this was a "step forward to restore normalcy" in the state.

She also congratulated high court-appointed administrator Jarnail Singh, who has been handed over the responsibility of discharging the duties of Manipur University.

The university has been on the boil for several months. After a 85-day strike by students, it had opened on