Imphal, October 23, 2026: Teachers, students, officers and non-teaching staff of Manipur University held a sit-in protest on Friday against a reported bomb threat to university teachers, calling for their protection and the peaceful resolution of grievances.
Organised by the Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA), in association with the Manipur University Staffs’ Association (MUSA), Manipur University Officers’ Association (MUOA) and Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU), the protest began at 11 am at the university’s Traffic Island.
Participants gathered under the banner “Solidarity Against Bomb Threat to the Teachers of Manipur University.” Their placards carried messages including “No to Bomb, Yes to Education,” “Knowledge Unites, Violence Divides” and “When Education Suffers, the Whole Nation Suffers.”
Addressing the gathering, MUTA President Kshtrimayum Narayan Singh condemned what he described as the mental harassment of teachers through repeated monetary demands and threats. He appealed to the university community to stand together in defence of teachers’ security, dignity and academic freedom.
Narayan described repeated bomb threats as attempts to silence educators and discourage their participation in public life. Teachers must be able to teach and carry out their responsibilities without fear, he said, calling for dialogue and an amicable resolution.
MUTA General Secretary Dr. Yumkhaibam Rajesh Singh also stressed the need for consultation and mutual understanding. Differences and grievances should be addressed through meaningful dialogue rather than threats or confrontation, he said.
Referring to the reported threat involving Professor Chinglem Maishnam, popularly known as Bobo, Rajesh urged the parties concerned to hold constructive discussions and work towards a mutually acceptable solution.
Students raise concern over academic disruption
MUSU President Laishram Sanathoi Singh condemned the reported threat and warned of its consequences for students and the university’s academic atmosphere.
Students were already struggling to pursue their education amid the prevailing situation in Manipur, he said. Further disturbances within the university could disrupt regular classes and academic activities, with consequences for their futures.
Sanathoi stressed that educational institutions should provide space for learning, the exchange of ideas and intellectual discussion without fear. He appealed for cooperation among students, teachers and other stakeholders to address problems through peaceful engagement.
Call for police clarification and collective response
Prof. Irom Gambhir of the Department of English and Cultural Studies called for a clear and authoritative account from the police regarding the reported placement of a bomb at the affected teacher’s residence.
He urged the university community to respond collectively to threats, rather than leave individual teachers or departments to face them alone.
Gambhir also spoke about the ethical and social responsibilities of educators, asking teachers to reflect on their contribution to society and take a more active role in addressing Manipur’s challenges.
The participating associations appealed for the safety of educators and an academic environment where teaching, learning and discussion could continue without threats or intimidation.
