Disturbance in Manipur agri varsity campus

IMPHAL, August 3: In what could be construed as a blow to the academic atmosphere in the entire north-eastern region, all the students of the Central Agriculture University (CAU) at Irsishemba here, barring Manipuri and Sikkim students, have made a vain bid to leave the varsity campus and the state alleging harassment. However, they were intercepted by a strong team of Manipur Police in time and were sent back to their respective hostels with their bag and baggages on Wednesday. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, SS Bhagel, while talking to The Assam Tribune said that he had no idea about the causes that led to outside students' agitation. He, however, assured that the matter will be looked into carefully. The Vice-Chancellor also made it clear that there was no plan to shift the University complex to some other parts of the NE region. In the meantime, the VC of the Central Agriculture University apprised the matter to the state Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh before his departure to New Delhi today. When this correspondent visited the University campus, which is about 5 km west of Imphal city, everyone in the campus was seen watching the events. When asked what the matter was, most of them declined to give a clear-cut explanation as to why the students from outside the state wanted to leave the campus. Even the Dean of Agriculture College, A Ibopishak, was not able to give a proper reason in connection with the incident. He, however, admitted that so far no written complaint from the agitating outside students has been received in connection with the alleged harassment. He said that he was completely "blind" in the matter. On the other hand, when this correspondent met the non-local students studying in the university in their hostels, most of students studying in the university in their hostels, most of them even thought that the newsmen were sent by the authorities. "We, don't want to disclose anything, we just want to go home," they said. "We are feeling uncomfortable here in this campus," said a second year student from Arunachal Pradesh, who did not want to be identified. He further asserted that "it is our internal problem among the agri students, which can't be solved by the authorities." Lamenting over their suppression in the University, one second year student from Tripura said, "We are coming here only to study and not to risk our lives". A Khasi student, Nongthymmai (Shillong), also asserted that they didn't want to lose their lives just for a degree certificate. However, the local students denied the charges levelled by the students from other NE states. The president of the Agriculture College Students Union, Waikhom Jiten Singh, said that there was no enmity between the local and outside students. Besides, there is no 'ragging' system in the University campus and only a self-introduction was done, he added. In view of the sudden development, the university authorities have decided to conduct an investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the police kept a strict vigil around the University campus to stop fleeing of the students and avoid any untoward incidents. Sources said presently the practical examination of the students are under way. Moreover, the semester examination of all the students will start on August 7 and it will conclude on August 17. Another informed source further revealed that the daughter of a Meghalaya Minister and children of some top officials of Mizoram are studying in the college. There are about 150 students in CAU. The non-local students who tried to flee the University include 27 from Meghalaya, 25 from Arunachal Pradesh, 37 from Tripura and 7 from Mizoram. Some of the girl students, who also tried to flee reportedly locked up some of their fellow students in their rooms in the hostel before leaving the campus.