IMPHAL: Apex student bodies in Churachandpur district have demanded the immediate withdrawal of Manipur University’s recent postgraduate and Pre-PhD admission notices, alleging that students from their communities continue to be denied access to higher education due to the ongoing ethnic conflict.
In a joint press release issued on Friday, the Zomi Students’ Federation, Kuki Students’ Organisation and Hmar Students’ Association expressed disappointment over the university’s “Admission to Two-Year Postgraduate Programmes” notification dated June 23 and the “Pre-PhD Admission Notice 2026” issued on July 1.
The organisations claimed that students from their communities have been unable to access the Manipur University campus in Canchipur, Imphal, since May 3, 2023. They alleged that around 400 postgraduate students and 80 PhD scholars were unable to continue their studies after being displaced and that no alternative academic arrangements were made by the university.
According to the student bodies, Manipur University has continued its admission process for the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic sessions without addressing the concerns of affected students, despite their continued inability to access the campus.
They further alleged that the university had failed to uphold the University Grants Commission’s principles of accessibility and equity, as students from several districts, including Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi, Chandel and Tengnoupal, remain unable to travel to Imphal.
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The student bodies have demanded the immediate establishment of a study centre or extension centre in Churachandpur district to facilitate higher education for affected students. They have also sought exemption from the CUET (PG) 2026 requirement for students from the affected districts and called for fresh admission notifications with at least one month’s time for applications.
The demands were also submitted to the Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University through a memorandum.
The organisations warned that if their demands are not addressed within one week, they would be compelled to launch more intensive democratic agitations.
