DMU PhD scholars’ hunger strike enters 6th day, students accuse Manipur govt of neglect

The indefinite hunger strike by PhD scholars of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) entered its sixth day on September 14, with the protesters accusing the Manipur government of maintaining a “stoic silence” over their demand for release of pending stipends.

Three PhD scholars and a student leader began the hunger strike on September 9 with the support of the Dhanamanjuri University Students’ Union (DMUSU) 2025-26, demanding payment of stipends pending for several years.

Those on hunger strike include Naorem Venus from the Chemistry Department, Yeengal Leima Huidrom from the Manipuri Department and Irom Dimocha from the Economics Department. DMUSU general secretary Oinam Keba, who has pursued MSc in Mathematics, has also joined the protest.

Supporters and well-wishers have been visiting the protesters and extending solidarity as the agitation continues.

Dimocha said the lack of financial assistance is affecting the scholars’ studies and that they had been approaching the government since March for release of their pending stipends.

“We were given verbal assurance that the stipend would be released in the first week of September. However, during the recently concluded Manipur Assembly session, the Chief Minister reportedly said that the government is still looking for a source to provide the stipend,” Dimocha said.

He said the statement prompted the scholars to launch the indefinite hunger strike.

“While developed states are thinking about advancing their education systems, students of DMU are struggling even to receive their stipends,” he said, adding that providing stipends to research scholars should be a mandatory responsibility of the government.

Research scholar Search Joy Khamrang said the demand for release of the pending stipend is genuine and expressed concern over the deteriorating health condition of the hunger strikers.

“What are the authorities doing for this genuine demand? Most of the scholars are from financially vulnerable backgrounds. The financial burden affects us mentally and leaves us demoralised. Many scholars are genuinely contributing to society,” Khamrang said.

He accused the state government of remaining silent despite the agitation entering its sixth day.

“The silence of the state government has made us feel that we are being neglected and treated in a step-motherly manner,” he said.

Khamrang said the PhD programme at DMU began in 2022 but the scholars had not received stipends to date.

According to the protesters, more than 750 scholars are eligible to receive the stipend.