Imphal, October 16: The All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) and the All Private School Forum of Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Chandel and Senapati (APSF-TUCS) have sought from the Secretary of Education of Schools, government of Manipur to issue No Objection Certificate (NOC) credentials to the private schools operating in the four hill districts in Manipur.

"The ANSAM in the interest of the minority indigenous people of hill districts in the present state of Manipur, approaches your good self for prompt approval and necessary issuance of order in favour of private schools of hill districts seeking 'No Objection Certificate credentials," prayed the ANSAM to the Secretary of Education of Schools.

While giving its reason for this move, the Naga students claimed that a large number of private schools in the hill districts demonstrated their interest to opt syllabus and administration of other school boards through the "privilege of writing HSLC Exam 2007 in Nagaland".

"That many of the minority private schools in the hill districts prepared to obtain NOC credentials is facing restriction from the state.

This attitude may invite violation of the constitutional provision of Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution of India", asserted the ANSAM statement while adding, "therefore, with serious concern and in the interest of the minority private schools, we urge you to kindly issue NOC credentials to any minority private schools seeking for it without further delay".

The student body expressed that it will be grateful for respecting the interest of the private schools and the right of the minorities in the state.

Echoing similar sentiment, APSF-TUCS said, "we believe that the government of Manipur and the public as well, are fully aware of the move of the private schools in the four hill districts viz, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Chandel and Senapati to affiliate to Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) as the matter has been made public by our popular demonstrations and the media".

It further stated that by now it is apparent to the government that the move is the expression of popular and democratic choice which cannot be arbitrarily denied without inviting further instances of bias, subjugation and denial of right which would only fuel further alienation. "Our demand to affiliate to NBSE is based on simple reason which we believe should be fairly appreciated without prejudice", said the APSF-TUCS.

The forum also gave numerous reasons for its move on the affiliation.