AMMSO Alleges Irregularities in Minority Girls’ Hostel Managed by Waqf Board Manipur
The All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation (AMMSO) has alleged large-scale irregularities in the management of the Minority Girls’ Hostel run by the Waqf Board, Manipur. According to AMMSO, its recent inspection found that hostel accommodations were being allotted to individuals who were not eligible under hostel rules.
In a statement issued by General Secretary Kh. Dilshan, AMMSO claimed that the hostel has been providing shelter to private job employees, unregular students, married and divorced women, and others who do not fall under the category of deserving students. The organisation alleged that hostel seats meant for genuine students were being given to relatives and friends of the concerned authorities.
AMMSO stated that after the irregularities were exposed publicly, a group formed by some hostellers attempted to mislead the issue by “falsely portraying AMMSO” in the print and electronic media. The organisation further criticised the Waqf Board Chairman and CEO for allegedly permitting the opening of a pressure group or organisational office inside the hostel premises, terming it as “very unfortunate.”
The students’ body also expressed disappointment over the participation of certain Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in a meeting convened by the Waqf Board on the issue. AMMSO alleged that the CSOs joined the meeting without consulting or enquiring about the issue from AMMSO, which has been handling the matter from the beginning.
According to the statement, on the day the Waqf Board issued a notice calling CSOs for the meeting, the Board had earlier assured AMMSO that it would take corrective action to rectify the issues. Instead of fulfilling that assurance, AMMSO alleged, the Board called the meeting to sideline the organisation.
AMMSO urged all concerned groups not to involve themselves in such matters without verifying the facts, and instead to support those working to rectify the system and ensure hostel seats are allotted to deserving students. The organisation invited anyone who wishes to know the details of the issue to visit its headquarters at Hatta, Imphal.
The students’ body also informed that it has submitted complaints to the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Bhalla, and other higher authorities, seeking action against the Waqf Board Chairman, CEO, and related staff. However, AMMSO claimed that no action has been taken so far and alleged that the Governor appears to be supporting the Board.
AMMSO warned that if the government fails to take action, the organisation will launch democratic protests with public support to demand justice in the matter.