“We will talk with officials of Sikkim Police to formulate strategies like SOPs to avoid such situations in future and to stop before it happens”, said the VC in a press meet today evening at the conference hall of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), Tadong.
The VC further said that a proper security cell handled by a retired army or police officer could be considered as a safety measure.
“The university will also be holding special counseling sessions with the students and their parents after the students come back”, said Brig. Pabla. He informed that the SMU along with the State authorities have taken a collective decision to suspend classes till further notice and students asked to vacate the hostels and proceed towards their homes as a precautionary measure.
“It is expected that the institute will reopen after the next ten days”, said the VC. He informed that all the students have been send back home with arrangements made for transport and security of the students to reach Siliguri. The faculty members will return back only after ensuring that all students have boarded trains or buses for their respective hometowns.
“The step was taken to cool down tempers since the small scuffle in a volleyball court was blown out of proportion and misrepresented as a clash between ‘local’ and ‘non local’ students”, said Brig. Pabla.
The VC informed that a high level inquiry team has been constituted to probe into yesterday’s incident in an unbiased manner. “We will use evidence available to see who is guilty. We are looking the students as children and treat them as such”, he said indicating a lenient approach.
While downplaying the clash as minor issue that was brought under control ‘immediately’, Brig. Pabla admitted the entire episode could have been avoided if strong measures had been immediately taken after the volleyball incident. “We missed the opportunity to stop the incident”, he said.
Regarding the cases lodged against some SMIT students at Rangpo police station, the VC said that the SMU is of the view that any student should not be dragged into criminal records considering their future.
The VC also claimed that the exemplary coordination between the university, State police and State government in diffusing the situation in a very short time is noteworthy. This cooperation and coordinated action has ensured that there are no serious injuries to any student or staff, he said.
Brig Pabla expressed his gratitude of the SMU to the full cooperation extended by Sikkim Police and State government.
