Imphal, November 05 2008: An organisation called Manipur Hill University Demand Committee, Delhi (MHUDCD) has been formed by tribal students from Manipur studying in New Delhi.

In an e-mail message dispatched to Newmai News Network by its convenor Yaronsho Ngalung, the MHUDCD said that all tribal students' organisations from Manipur in Delhi resolved to demand for a separate 'Hill University' for the tribals of Manipur.

According to the message, the tribal students in Delhi convened a meeting on November 1 had 'strongly felt the need to secure the educational rights of the tribals of Manipur as the earlier Manipur University as well as the present University that has become a Central University failed to serve the educational interest of the tribals of the State'.

The MHUDCD alleged that the attitude of the Government of Manipur as well as the authorities of the Manipur University towards the tribals has severely marginalised the tribals, which is evident in the area of education as well as other areas too.

"To redress the progressive rights and interest of the tribals as well as to secure their future from all unwanted forces that the State machinery have capitalised, the tribals of Manipur should be granted a Hill University that will empower them as well as their Constitutional rights.

To pursue the collective aspirations of the Manipur tribals, the tribal students' organisations from Manipur have constituted the Manipur Hill University Demand Committee, Delhi," said the MHUDCD .

"The committee strongly condemns the authorities of Manipur University for segregating and discriminating the educational rights of the tribals by exercising all sorts of bias and prejudices, which is unfair and unjust.

The committee condemned the attitude and actions of the Manipur University authorities that resulted in the withdrawal of all tribal students from the University and surrendering of their certificates.

While the University authorities should be sympathising and empathising the grievances of the tribal students, the authorities deliberately resorted to remain insensitive and callous.

The attitude of the authorities of Manipur University under the Vice Chancellor has been negating the existence of the tribals of the State," alleged the MHUDCD.

It also added that the experience of the tribals in Manipur compelled them to demand for a 'Hill University' exclusively for the tribals in Manipur.

"This is the only solution to address and redress the aspirations of the tribals in Manipur.

The Committee appeals to all like-minded organisations and individuals to stand up for justice and fairness and support the cause of the tribals of Manipur," the committee added.

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