Manipur Violence Explained: Concerns Rise Among Students at IIIT-M Imphal

Escalating Tensions in Manipur

Fearing for their safety in strife-torn Manipur, students at Imphal’s Indian Institute of Information Technology-Manipur have written to the institute’s director asking permission to return to their home states. The letter was sent to Professor Krishan Bhaskar on September 15 and collectively signed by the majority of third-year BTech students.

“We respectfully request that you grant us permission to go home until the situation improves,” the letter said. “Your immediate attention to this matter would help alleviate the stress and fear we are experiencing.”

Concerns Raised by Students

The letter, which was signed by 97 percent of the 500-odd students living in hostels, flagged their major concerns: the internet shutdown in the state, curfew and safety concerns, cash shortage, police misconduct, and future travel restrictions.

Director Bhaskar confirmed to Newslaundry that he had received the letter but reiterated that the campus is very safe.

IIIT-M Overview

Established in 2015, IIIT-M has about 750 students enrolled, of which about 600 live in two college hostels while about 150 live in private accommodation off-campus. Of the two hostels, the one for male students is 500 metres away from the college while the second, for female students, is within the campus.