In a recent incident, Manipur University's acting Vice Chancellor's stated that state Governor Najma Heptulla extended "overt support" to agitators during a recent stir at the varsity. However, Raj Bhavan authorities has termed the remark as "unfortunate".

In a communication to Prof K Yugindro on Saturday, the Raj Bhavan said his statement made on October 3 in a letter to the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, may amount to defamation as well as non-observance of protocol and propriety.

"The Hon'ble governor is upset and surprised by your utterances which are misdirected and misleading…The governor was naturally disturbed and concerned with all that was happening on the campus, causing academic loss to thousands of students," the Raj Bhavan communique said.

Prof Yugindro, in his letter to the MHRD, had sought immediate steps from the centre to "save" the university from the hands of "terrorists-like" agitators.

"I would like to request the centre to do the needful immediately in order to save the University from the hands of terrorists like agitators…," he had said in his letter.

The Saturday communication from the Raj Bhawan said, "The governor feels it very unfortunate that you used the term 'terrorist' in the context of students and teachers, and such indiscretion will lead to further worsening of the situation on the campus,"

Professor Yugindro had claimed that the Governor questioned his taking charge as VC of the central university and expressed her support in favour of the agitators, during a meeting on September 21.

The university has been on the boil for several months. After a 85-day strike by students, it had opened on August 23. The agitators had been demanding removal of the then VC AP Pandey for alleged administrative and financial lapses.