Imphal: The indefinite hunger strike by research scholars of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) in Manipur’s Imphal entered its sixth day on Monday, with protesters demanding the immediate release of delayed stipends for the 2022, 2024 and 2026 batches.
The hunger strike, which began on September 9, is being held at the university’s administrative block.
Among the PhD scholars who volunteered to participate in the hunger strike are Naorem Venus from the Department of Chemistry, Yeengal Leima Huidrom from the Department of Manipuri, Irom Dimocha from the Department of Economics and Oinam Keba, general secretary of the Dhanamanjuri University Students’ Union (DMUSU).
Despite their declining health, the protesting scholars remain resolute and determined to continue the hunger strike until the authorities address their demands.
Various student organisations, including the Dhanamanjuri University Students’ Union, have extended their support and solidarity to the protest. Research scholars from different batches have also been visiting the protest site as the agitation continues.
Why are the scholars protesting?
Sanasam Lamdaiba, a research representative from the 2024 batch, alleged that during a meeting on July 30, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh verbally assured the scholars that the pending stipends would be released by the first week of September.
However, during the recently concluded Assembly session, the Chief Minister reportedly told the House that the state government was still looking for a source of funds to release the pending stipends.
The statement angered the research scholars, who subsequently intensified their protest and demanded the immediate release of stipends pending since 2022.
The PhD programme at DM University began in 2022. However, scholars from all three batches have not received the stipend of Rs 8,000 per month to date.
Lamdaiba said some scholars had already defended their theses and been awarded PhD degrees despite not receiving the stipends.
Of the 958 research scholars enrolled at DM University, Lamdaiba said 792 are eligible for the stipend. The remaining scholars are either receiving Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) or other scholarships.
Naorem Venus said many research scholars at the university have been facing financial difficulties for several years. From purchasing equipment required for research to attending conferences and seminars and accessing academic journals, scholars have had to bear the expenses themselves because the government has not released their monthly stipends.
Venus also highlighted the lack of a library at the university, which he said has made it difficult for scholars to access research papers and journals. To access research materials online, scholars often have to pay for subscriptions or individual papers, creating additional difficulties, particularly for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“All we are asking for is the release of our rightful stipends, which we need to support our research activities. Like anyone else, I want to be able to stay at home comfortably and enjoy good food, but instead, we are forced to fight for what we deserve. I am deeply disappointed with the way the government is treating us,” Venus said.
Yeengal Leima Huidrom said the prolonged non-release of stipends had left many research scholars, including herself, unable to conduct essential fieldwork. She said the situation had significantly affected their academic research.
What are the scholars demanding?
Speaking about the protest, Economics research scholar Search Joy Khamrang said the scholars had approached Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the Commissioner of Education and the Governor of Manipur to raise their concerns.
“We have legally and democratically approached the head of the state. The genuine concern and grievances of the scholars’ community have been raised. So now the question remains as to what the authorities are doing in this regard,” Khamrang said.
He said the delay in payment had created financial difficulties for many research scholars and was affecting their academic work.
“Most of the scholars are from financially weaker sections. They need this financial assistance; without which we cannot go ahead. Simply put, it puts a stop to our research work,” he added.
According to Khamrang, 792 research scholars are supposed to receive the stipend, although some are JRF scholars. He said the majority of eligible scholars are non-NET and non-JRF scholars.
The hunger strike has also taken a toll on the health of the protesters. According to the scholars, some of the hunger strikers have had to be taken to hospital after their health deteriorated. An ambulance has also been kept on standby at the protest site.
“We feel neglected, sadly neglected. I think it is high time they should act. There are no words to express it. We feel that we have been sadly neglected,” Khamrang said.
The scholars also said that, apart from Lok Sabha MP Dr Bimol Akoijam, no government representative had visited the protesters so far.
As the hunger strike entered its sixth day, the scholars also shut down four colleges under Dhanamanjuri University from Monday as part of their protest.
Several organisations and civil-society groups have expressed support for their demand and warned that more research scholars could join the hunger strike if the issue is not resolved.
The scholars are now appealing to the state government and university authorities to release the pending stipends and resolve the issue at the earliest.
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