Manipur: Four students faint on third day of hunger strike at DM University

Imphal: On the third day of a hunger strike led by the students of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) in Imphal city of Manipur, four strikers, including two female students, fainted and were transported to the hospital on Thursday.

The students, organized by the Dhanamanjuri University Students’ Union (DMSU), initiated the hunger strike on Tuesday to demand the appointment of a regular Vice Chancellor and registrar.

The students who required medical attention were identified as Oinam Hitler and S Pamuba, both males, and M Molina and K Monica, both females.

They were taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal East district of Manipur around 1 PM due to their worsening health conditions.

Volunteers from the Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur state branch, facilitated the transportation of the affected students from the DM University campus to the hospital.

A leader of the agitating students informed the media that the health of the strikers was rapidly deteriorating, with only the four who fainted being taken to the hospital so far, although more students are also experiencing declining health.

In response to the ongoing unrest, the Teachers' Forum of DM College of Arts at DM University has called on the relevant authorities to address various irregularities within the university's academic and administrative operations.

Th Ibotombi Singh, honorary secretary of the Teachers' Forum, submitted a memorandum to the Vice Chancellor highlighting critical issues.

These include the absence of full-time appointments for the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, and Finance Officer; the inability to conduct examinations and declare results on time; delays in issuing mark sheets and certificates; and improper allocation of duties and authority within the university administration.