Manipur: DMU PhD scholars indefinite hunger strike over pending stipends enters fourth day, health conditions deteriorate

The indefinite hunger strike by PhD scholars of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) demanding the release of their pending stipends entered its fourth day on September 12 with the health condition of several protesting scholars reportedly deteriorating.

The scholars launched the indefinite hunger strike on September 9 with the support of the Dhanamanjuri Students Union (2025–2026), seeking immediate intervention from the university and the state government over the alleged delay in disbursal of their stipends.

One of the protesting scholars alleged that researchers admitted to the PhD programme in 2022 have been waiting for their stipends despite earlier assurances that the financial assistance would be provided. The continued delay, he said, has caused financial difficulties and prompted the scholars to resort to the indefinite hunger strike.

The protesters have expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the continued silence of the state government and concerned authorities. They said that despite the agitation entering its fourth day, no concrete response or assurance has reportedly been received from the government.

The prolonged fasting has also begun affecting the health of the protesters. Two women scholars were earlier admitted to JNIMS Hospital after their health deteriorated during the hunger strike. They were reportedly discharged later and returned to the protest site.

On September 12, another woman scholar was reportedly admitted to JNIMS Hospital after her health condition worsened following continued fasting.

The protesting scholars have appealed to the authorities to intervene urgently and clear their pending stipends. They warned that continued inaction could further affect the morale and well-being of research scholars, while maintaining that they would intensify their democratic protest if their demands remain unaddressed.