MUTA sets pre-conditions for talks on Manipur University

Imphal, Sep. 30 (PTI): The Manipur University Teachers Association (MUTA) has said that they will sit for talks to end a month-long agitation only after their demands, including “unconditional release” of 15 teachers and students, are met. The students and teachers of the Manipur University were arrested on September 21. MUTA also demanded withdrawal of the FIR lodged by Yugindro Singh and removal of all security forces from the university campus as a pre-condition for talks, it said in a statement Saturday night. The teachers’ body strongly condemned the action of security forces, but welcomed any move by an individual or organisation keen on bringing an end to the crisis which began from May 30 after the university students union launched agitation for removal of now suspended Vice-chancellor Prof A P Pandey. The MUTA statement followed the Friday letter of Chief Minister N Biren Singh to the university community asking them to sit for talks to bring about an amicable solution.