Laishram Sanathoi Singh begins term as new MUSU President as university calls for collective decision-making and responsible use of student funds
IMPHAL, September 30: A new student leadership formally took charge at Manipur University on Wednesday, with the elected representatives of the Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) for 2026–27 being asked to begin their tenure with planning, collective decision-making and responsible use of available resources.
Laishram Sanathoi Singh took oath as the new MUSU President along with six other Office Bearers, Research Scholars’ Representative Sagolsem Roshan Singh and Class Representatives elected from different departments and centres.
The oath-taking at the University’s Court Hall brought to an end the MUSU election process and formally transferred responsibility to the new student leadership.
One of the first suggestions placed before the new Union was practical: prepare a calendar before beginning a series of programmes.
Dean of Students’ Welfare Prof. Ch. Ibohal Singh asked the representatives to meet early, identify the activities they intend to undertake during their tenure and work out the financial requirements.
He also stressed regular meetings and collective decision-making within the Union. The new representatives were encouraged to familiarise themselves with the MUSU Constitution and follow the General Body process if they believe any provision requires amendment.
The emphasis on planning comes as the Union begins a fresh academic-year mandate representing students across the University.
For Sanathoi, the immediate message to his team was unity.
The newly elected President thanked students for placing their trust in the new leadership and called upon the Office Bearers and Class Representatives to function as one team. Collective effort, he said, would be necessary to serve the student community and contribute to the University.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, who is also Patron of MUSU, congratulated the representatives and wished the new team well for its tenure. He also acknowledged the outgoing leadership and those involved in completing the student election.
The Vice-Chancellor recalled his association with an earlier MUSU election and oath-taking ceremony and said Wednesday’s programme brought back memories of the University’s student democratic process.
The transition also saw outgoing MUSU President Nongpoknganba Yambem hand over responsibility to the new leadership. He congratulated Sanathoi and his team and wished them a successful tenure.
Who Leads MUSU in 2026–27?
Apart from Sanathoi as President, Sober Chingangbam has been elected Vice-President and Loukrakpam Tomba Meitei General Secretary.
Lanthoinganba Yumnam will serve as Finance Secretary, Alvin Nongmaithem as Cultural Secretary, Mahesh Laishram as Sports Secretary and Kaminikumar Leimapokpam as Literary and Publication Secretary.
Sagolsem Roshan Singh of the Department of Manipuri will represent the University’s research scholars.
The transition took place on a day that also carried historical significance for Manipur. September 30 marked the 130th Birth Anniversary of Hijam Irabot, and floral tributes were paid to the leader during the programme.
Dr. Khwairakpam Herachandra Singh, a member of the Election Committee, drew attention to the coincidence while welcoming the gathering.
Returning Officer Prof. A. Dilip Kumar Singh said the different stages of the election, from scrutiny to polling, had been completed peacefully with cooperation from students and University departments.
The election was overseen by a committee comprising Prof. Dilip Kumar as Returning Officer and Dr. Khwairakpam Herachandra Singh and Dr. Huidrom Suraj Singh as members.
With the oath administered and charge formally transferred, that committee has now been dissolved.
The election may be over, but for the new MUSU leadership the more important part begins now — turning an electoral mandate into a year of student representation.
