Students, teachers of Manipur varisty seek info on "extortion

The students and faculty members of Manipur University, who had been observing a strike over the past 44 days, today sought details of the extortion letter that was apparently sent to Vice Chancellor (VC) Abya Prasad Pandey by an "underground" group.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh, during a press meet yesterday, said Pandey had received a letter, demanding Rs 5 crore. He, however, did not disclose the date of receipt of the letter.

The CM also said that the vice chancellor of the central university had told the Union government that the extortion letter and the ongoing agitation were "related".

The academic activities at Manipur University had been under suspension for over a month as the students and the teachers here had been agitating for the removal of VC over his alleged failure to appoint members in important posts, and administrative negligence.

Condemning yesterday's revelation, Professor Nimai, the spokesperson of Manipur University Teachers' Association (MUTA), said the allegation brought against them was unjustified.

"The VC's claim portrays the teachers and students in a bad light, as if we are hands-in-glove with extortionists," he said.

Nimai, who goes by his first name, also asked why there was no police action in the case.

"This is an attempt to brand us as anti-national extortionists. Should we not be put behind bars if we had something to do with the extortion letter?" he said.

In a joint press release issued today, the Manipur University Students' Union, MUTA, along with a staff association of the central university, sought information about the source of the letter, its timing, and the identity of the perpetrators.

The union members said they would remain firm on their demand for removal of the incumbent VC from his position.

The agitators also iterated their demand for a high-level committee to probe into the allegations of financial and administrative irregularities against Pandey.