Students of Manipur University on Friday erupted in protest, decrying the show-cause notice served to an assistant professor of the Manipuri department of the university for reportedly criticising the state government in his speech.
A large number of students stormed the administrative block and office of the registrar of the university, demanding to revoke the show cause notice. The agitating students demanded that academic freedom be respected.
On Wednesday, the registrar W Chandbabu issued the show cause notice, according to which the assistant professor criticised the government in regards to tourism, liquor legalisation and on various other sensitive issues in his speech during a debate competition organised by Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU).
It stated, “Such speech made by him in the public platform has tarnished the image of the university which prima facie appears to be highly derogatory and defamatory.”
Interestingly, the resolution to issue show cause notice was resolved during the Deans’ Committee meeting, as per the show cause notice.
Alleging that the speech of Naorem Sanatomba violated the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, it asked the assistant professor to explain in writing within seven days as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
Meanwhile, Imphal West police also arrived to contain the situation as the students resorted to vandalising university properties.
Later, the students hold talks with the Registrar. However, there were no agreements reached between the parties and the police dispersed the students away from the administrative block.
Meanwhile, chief minister N Biren while speaking during the state level celebration of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat Day cautioned that the ‘Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Press’ also have a limit of decency and morality. He said, “We are all bound under the Constitution and cannot act beyond that.”
It may be mentioned here that assistant professor Naorem Sanatomba’s speech went viral on social media platforms wherein he strongly opposed the state cabinet’s decision to legalise liquor.
Meanwhile, six student bodies namely AMSU, MSF, DESAM, KSA, SUK and AIMS have expressed strong condemnations over the show cause notice served to the assistant professor.
The student bodies, in a joint press statement, demanded the authorities concerned to revoke the notice at the earliest.
It raised concern that gagging freedom of speech is becoming common in the state. It drew the attention of all concerned to carry out public discourse or dialogue with the people instead of targeting one person since the issue in question is a public issue.
