Manipur University: Tension escalates as police fire tear gas; arrests 6 student leaders

In the heightened tension between students of Manipur University and the authorities, police on Wednesday fired tear gas shells to disperse the agitating students demanding the unconditional release of professors and students now in judicial custody.

"No one was seriously injured," said a police officer, adding the students tried to storm the office of Vice-Chancellor in-charge Prof K. Yugindro. The police said eight student leaders, belonging to half-a-dozen student unions, have been arrested.

The students have vowed to continue the agitation triggered by allegations of administrative and financial lapses against Vice-Chancellor A.P. Pandey, who has been sent on 'forced leave.'

Less than a month ago, the Union HRD Ministry appointed Prof K Yugindro as the V-C in-charge, temporarily ending the 85-day student agitation.

However, the students hit the streets again after a letter written by Prof Yugindro to the HRD Ministry alleged that Governor Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister N. Biren were siding with the "terrorist teachers and students."

Both the Governor and the Chief Minister termed the allegation as "regrettable".

Prof Yugindro on Tuesday apologised for his comment to the Governor, who is also the chief rector.

Meanwhile, the Manipur University Teachers' Association and Manipur University Staff Association have announced that they will take mass casual leave against the arrest of six professor and some students.

The MU students have already been denied classes for over 100 days. All administrative work and new admissions have been disrupted.

(With inputs from agencies.)