Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 15, 2010:
Following assurances given by the Manipur University authority of providing power and water within three days to the hostels of the varsity, the agitating students have calmed down their ire upto some extent today.
Men's Hostel No 2 and 3 and Girls' Hostel No 2 of the varsity were not getting power and water supplies since past one week.
After couches and chairs were burnt down outside the hostels last night, enraged students of these hostels today stormed the Administrative Block of the University today.
Few representatives of the agitating students were allowed to meet the Registrar, Wardens of the three hostels and Deputy Finance Officer.
Vice-Chancellor C Amuba was not present in the meeting as he is currently out of station.
Students who were present in the meeting said that MU authority assured them to provide water from today.
The authority also promised to restore power supply in main lines within three days, they said adding that power would also be provided from generator as well.
According to students, power supply has been blacked out since past one week in Social Science Department and Humanities Block as well giving lots of in convenience to students and teachers.
As water and power are not available at Men's Hostel No 2 and 3 and Girls' Hostel No 2, students have to buy bottled water for drinking and are facing inconvenience in going to toilet.
They added that MU authority has not only taken power and water charges earlier but also increased mess fees from Rs 600 to Rs 800 per month.
Students warned that different types agitation would be initiated if power supply is not restored within three days.
Meanwhile, expressing serious concern over the unrest currently prevailing at MU hostels, DESAM urged upon the concerned authority to take up necessary action to resolve the matter at the earliest.