The Kuki Students’ Organisation–General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) has submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur seeking urgent intervention in issues affecting Kuki-Zo students and employees of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University–Regional Campus Manipur (IGNTU-RCM).
In its representation dated January 12, the organisation highlighted the hardships faced by Kuki-Zo students and staff who were internally displaced following the ethnic violence that broke out in Manipur in May 2023. According to the KSO, all Kuki-Zo students and employees were compelled to flee the IGNTU-RCM campus at Makhan in Kangpokpi district due to security concerns. Despite their displacement, they continue to pursue academic and professional responsibilities under difficult conditions.
The organisation alleged that while Kuki-Zo students remain unable to access the Makhan campus, the university’s administrative office has been functioning intermittently from Imphal, largely benefiting non-Kuki-Zo communities. This, it said, has led to unequal access to academic and administrative services for displaced Kuki-Zo students and employees.
Terming the situation unjustifiable, the KSO stated that such practices undermine the mandate of IGNTU-RCM, which was established to serve all tribal communities of Manipur without discrimination.
The organisation has urged the Governor to facilitate the establishment of a temporary IGNTU-RCM office in Churachandpur. It said this would enable Kuki-Zo students to access essential academic services and allow displaced employees to carry out their duties effectively.
The KSO also raised concerns over the continued engagement of Guest Faculties in the Departments of Tribal Studies and Sociology & Social Anthropology. It noted that these faculty members have been serving the university since 2013 without permanent recruitment, despite performing duties equivalent to regular staff.
Describing the situation as exploitative, the organisation pointed out that the Guest Faculties have neither been appointed on full contractual terms nor provided any opportunity for regularisation over the past decade.
The KSO appealed for immediate intervention by the Governor, warning that continued inaction would further marginalise displaced students and staff and adversely affect the academic functioning and integrity of the institution.
