Nongpoh, May 11: Tension gripped the campus of the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS) Umiam on Monday after students staged a sit-in demonstration demanding the immediate removal of Prof Pranab Dutta, Chairman of the School of Crop Protection, who has been accused of sexually harassing two female students of the institution.
Students from different states across the country, who are currently pursuing their studies at the institution, which is under the Central Agricultural University (Imphal), expressed serious concern over the alleged incident, which they claimed had occurred months ago. According to the protesting students, despite complaints already being lodged with the Internal Complaint Committee (ICC), no concrete action has been taken against the professor till date.
During the protest, the students raised placards condemning harassment and abuse against female students within educational institutions, asserting that campuses should remain safe spaces for learning and growth. The protesters warned that if the ICC fails to take the matter seriously, they would intensify their agitation and resort to stronger democratic measures.
Following the protest, police personnel along with a magistrate arrived at the campus to assess the situation and maintain law and order. They also instructed the concerned authorities of the institution to conduct a thorough inquiry through the ICC and make the findings of the investigation public at the earliest.
The protesting students were supported by the Women Organization of Ri-Bhoi District (WORD). The organisation stated that many female students come from faraway places in pursuit of education and it strongly opposed any attempt to turn educational institutions into unsafe environments for women.
