DMU PhD scholars have entered the sixth day of an indefinite hunger strike at Dhanamanjuri University in Imphal, demanding release of their pending stipends. The protest began on September 9 under the banner of the Dhanamanjuri University Students’ Union.
The scholars have accused the Manipur government and concerned authorities of failing to respond to their demands. They have sought immediate intervention as prolonged fasting begins to affect the health of some protesters.
DMU PhD scholars demand release of pending stipends
Five PhD scholars launched the indefinite hunger strike outside the university’s administrative block on September 9. Their main demand is the release of stipends that they say have remained pending despite earlier assurances about payment.
According to reports, some researchers admitted to the PhD programme in 2022 have been waiting for financial support. The delay, they say, has created financial difficulties and made it harder to continue research work.
The protesters have maintained that they will continue the hunger strike until their demand is addressed. They have also expressed dissatisfaction with what they describe as a lack of concrete response from the state government and university authorities.
DMU PhD scholars face health concerns
The protest has also raised concern over the health of the fasting scholars. On September 11, a woman scholar reportedly fell unconscious and was taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment. She was later discharged and returned to the protest site.
By September 12, another woman scholar was reportedly admitted to JNIMS after her health deteriorated during the continuing fast. Earlier, two women scholars had also required hospital treatment, according to reports.
The health developments involving DMU PhD scholars have increased pressure on the authorities to engage with the protesters. However, available reports have not indicated that the pending stipend issue has been resolved.
Students accuse Manipur government of neglect
Students supporting the agitation have accused the Manipur government of neglecting the concerns of research scholars. They have said that repeated appeals have not produced a satisfactory response, although the allegations remain the protesters’ account of the situation.
The All Manipur Students’ Union has also backed the demand for release of the pending stipends. In a statement reported on September 12, AMSU said DMU research scholars were not receiving government assistance and also raised concerns about research facilities.
AMSU claimed that 792 research scholars from the 2022, 2024 and 2026 batches were not being provided basic research facilities in full.
Wider concerns over research support
The dispute has moved beyond the immediate question of stipend payments. Student groups have linked the issue to broader concerns about research support, academic resources and the ability of scholars to continue their work.
Research scholars often need financial support for fieldwork, data collection, travel, books and other academic requirements. Therefore, prolonged delays in funding can create practical difficulties, especially for researchers working without other sources of financial assistance.
On September 14, the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur also backed the protesting scholars and called for action by the university and state authorities. The organisation demanded settlement of unpaid fellowships and stipends and urged officials to open dialogue with the protesters.
The dispute is being watched closely by student bodies, particularly as the university community seeks clarity on funding commitments and the future of ongoing research.
DMU PhD scholars await government response
DMU PhD scholars remain at the centre of the dispute as the hunger strike enters its sixth day. Their immediate demand is the release of pending stipends, while student organisations are seeking wider measures to improve support for research.
The continuing fast has also made the health of the protesters an important concern. Consequently, any further delay could increase pressure on the university and government to find a resolution.
For now, the scholars have continued their protest while awaiting a response from the authorities. A timely dialogue could help address the stipend issue and prevent further deterioration in the health of those taking part in the strike.
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