Salai Kanba Lup and a students’ organisation have taken exception to the demand for termination of a research scholar from Manipur pursuing her PhD in Mizoram University Teresa Ningthoujam by Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) a powerful student's association based in Mizoram.
The controversy stems from her recent donation to a group in Manipur, aimed at aiding displaced victims and village volunteers facing aggression from Kuki militants.
The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), a student association based in Mizoram, has taken a strong stance against the scholar's actions.
They have written a letter to the Mizoram University registrar, demanding her termination, and filed criminal charges against her at the Viavakawn police station.
This interference by a Mizoram-based student association in the personal activities of a scholar has sparked condemnation from various CSOs and student bodies in Manipur, alleging the bias of MZP, specifically in the context of Manipur's complex situation.
Reacting to the termination demand, the Salai Kanba Lup (SKL) has strongly condemned it and deems the demand "communal" and an unwarranted interference in the affairs of a neighboring state.
General secretary of SKL Akoijam Shanti while speaking at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal on Tuesday, expressed concern over the threat posed to the scholar and urged the Manipur chief minister to ensure that her academic career remains unaffected.
In a bid to protect the scholar's life and academic pursuits, she called upon the chief minister to establish a mechanism allowing her to complete her PhD., proposing the approval of online mode to facilitate her studies.
After the press briefing the SKL had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister in this regard.
Meanwhile, the Manipur University Students' Association (MUSU) has also voiced its concern warning of potential severe consequences if Mizoram University succumbs to the termination demand.
The association in a release, highlighted reports and evidence involving students from the Kuki community enrolled at Manipur University in various programs. These allegations range from spreading false rumors to involvement in gunfights and armed militancy.
Despite these allegations, MUSU asserts that it has refrained from taking harsh steps against individuals from the Kuki community, emphasising its commitment to maintaining peace, respecting human life, and upholding academic excellence at Manipur University.
The association calls upon all stakeholders, including Mizo Zirlai Pawl and the authorities at Mizoram University, to avoid irrational acts targeting academic institutions.
ALSO READ: Manipuri scholar at Mizoram University faces termination
