MUTSU dismayed by IGNTU delay

IMPHAL, March 29: The Manipur University Tribal Students' Union, MUTSU, expressed strong resentment at the government of Manipur for undue delay in the process of land acquisition for the construction of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University at Makhan, Sadar Hills division of Senapati district, though it was officially inaugurated by chief minister himself way back on the September 9, 2009.

According to a press statement issued by the MUTSU, the vice-chancellor of the IGNTU, Amarkantak, in his reminder letters dated 17th February 2009 and 13th June 2009 had persistently requested the government of Manipur to complete the process at the earliest possible date so that academic session starts in time.

The MUTSU in the memorandum dated 28th January 2010, submitted to the chief minister had also reminded the Manipur government to complete the same process as soon as possible so as to facilitate the start of academic session before April 2010.

However, all pleas have been kept in abeyance, thus the exact status of the said process remains hidden and pending till date.

It further stated that it is noteworthy mentioning that the Manipur University had witnessed an interrupted academic atmosphere for the last three consecutive years (2007, 2008 & 2009) when deprived tribal students vehemently protested against the discriminatory attitude of the government and the university authorities, it resulted finally in the establishment of the present campus of Indira Gandhi National TribalUniversity.

Initially the tribal students got a sigh of relief as they perceived the larger part of their grievance being addressed, the release said.

Yet, sincerity and willingness are seen lacking on the side of the government, it said.

"We wonder how the process of acquisition of this small piece of land had consumed such a pretty long time; this clearly shows the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the government in discharging their duties", the MUTSU statement said.

The MUTSU, urged the Government of Manipur to complete all the pending processes of land acquisition at the earliest so that commencement of academic activities takes place in the interest of students in particular. It further questioned the Government of Manipur of the whereabouts of the result of the written test of the Combine Preliminary Examination for the recruitment of various posts conducted by the Manipur Public ServiceCommission which was held way back on the 18th September 2008. This act of irresponsibility on the part of the Government had crafted an air of uncertain future among the educated youths of our state. Further delay in the declaring the results will have many aspirants, educated and talented candidates out of the eligibility criteria as they would have crossed the maximum age limit.

The MUTSU statement further added that it will closely watch the response of the government of Manipur to this problem and take help of like minded students' organizations, NGO's and civil organizations to stage various demonstrations and agitations until the government acts positively on this pending issue.(IFP)