Manipur Forms Panel After Dhanamanjuri Scholars Stage Hunger Strike

Imphal: Manipur authorities responded to a week-long hunger strike by Dhanamanjuri University research scholars. The students demanded stipends for their work. The state government finally blinked. On Wednesday, the Higher and Technical Education Department issued a circular addressing the protests.

The government confirmed it is "agreeable in principle" to funding quality research through fellowships. To manage the process, officials created a committee led by the Director of University and Higher Education. The panel includes members from the State Finance Department. Joint Secretary Elangbam Sonia confirmed the official order was signed on September 15.

This group must now determine the nitty-gritty. They have 15 days to set the fellowship amount, duration, and eligibility rules. The government did not release any money today. The circular stops short of immediate financial aid. It focuses instead on building a framework for future support.

Officials urged the scholars to end their strike and work with the committee. They claim this cooperation will speed up the final report. The fate of the fellowship program now rests on the recommendations due in two weeks.