Imphal, July 05: For the cause of keeping education a free zone, thousands of students and teachers coming from different parts of the State took part in a mammoth rally here today urging all concerned not to impose any sort of hindrances.

Organised under the aegis of Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), the rally was taken out under the banner 'Disturbance Free Educational Zone' from THAU ground at Thangmeiband to Khuman Lampak Main Sta�dium where a public meeting was held.

The meeting resolved not to allow any UG groups or civil organisations to give undue pressure on educational institutions and the officials of the Education Department in connection with monetary demand or contract works.

After flagging off the rally from THAU Ground at around 11 am, the rally, which was also participated by students and teachers from Manipur University, Central Agriculture University, RIMS and even Heirok as well, passed through Chingmeirong 'Khongnang Ani Karak, Khurai Lamlong Bazar, Minuthong and converged at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium where the meeting was held.

The participants were seen holding placards with slogans Iike ' Make education a free and peaceful zone', 'Allow us to teach freely', 'Let us build our future', 'Liberate education and let it grow', 'Education is life, Gurad it well', 'Education is power', etc, during the rally.

The public meeting held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium proceeded with president of DESAM, H Ashirjit Luwang sharing the dais along with representative� of All Manipur Elementary Teachers' Association, All Manipur Higher Secondary Teachers' Association, All Manipur Government College Teachers Association, All Manipur Higher 'Secondary Lecturers' Welfare Association, Manipur University Teachers' Association, Central Agriculture University and RIMS as presidium members.

Addressing the meeting, Ashirjit said State as well as non-State actors should listen to the voice of the people and make education a free zone.

Medical Superintendent of RIMS Dr Y Mohan pointed out that RIMS is one of the educational institutions in the State which has been facing various pressures from different quarters over the last 4/5 years.

All Manipur Govt College Teachers' Association president H Rajendro observed that instead of being in the class room, the students and the teachers have hit the road in protest.

So the UG groups and the NGOs should stop giving undue pressures on the educational institutions.

Representative of All Manipur Recognised private School Teachers' Association N Tomba lamented that education is now being considered as a resource mobilisation centre by many today.

Head of department of Philosophy of Manipur University S Lokendrajit wondered how quality education can be brought about by parading teachers before media even as advisor of DESAM L Romesh questioned why officials related to education should be subjected to threat.

It is high time for all those who are claiming themselves to be working for the cause of the people to think over whether dealing in contract works and demanding quota is right or wrong, Romesh added.

General secretary of All Manipur Higher Secondary Teachers' Association Th Ibopishak made a fervent appeal against disturbing academic calendar through frequent calling of bandh/blockade and indulgence by politicians in transfer and posting of teachers.

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