Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 13 2009:
Education Minister L Jayantakumar, Works Minister K Ranjit and Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board E Dwijamani today jointly inspected the condition of the building of the Government High School at Langmeidong in Thoubal district which was burnt down by miscreants on the night of November 10 .
Talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the inspection, Jayantakumar assured that the Government would take up necessary measures to develop the required infrastructures for upgradation of school to the status of a higher secondary having three faculties very soon.
In fact, the Government has been considering setting up of a higher secondary school in between Kakching and Sugnu, he added.
Denouncing any act of arson on school buildings, the Education Minister said that such destructive elements should be identified and booked for taking up necessary legal action against them.
While appealing to the public to co-operate with the Government in this regard, the Education Minister also disclosed that at the directive of the Chief Minister, police commandos would be posted at Langmeidong Block office to ensure normal conduct of classes in all the schools of the area.
Works Minister K Ranjit observed that school is a sacred temple of learning for the students.
So causing destruction to the school and setting fire on its building is akin to an act of sacrilege.
The Works Minister further observed that the incident of torching school buildings which have come about while efforts are being made to resolve the present impasse is really unfortunate.
Such destructive activities should be stopped and the public should remain alert against such destructive elements.
Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board E Dwijamani described burning down of school building as one of the biggest crimes against the society.
During the course of the inspection tour, the Ministerial team have also distributed fire extinguishers to 10 different schools of Thoubal district.
It is said that similar assistance would also be extended to all the educational institutions in the State in view of the Supreme Court directive of providing fire extinguishers to control outbreak of fire in schools and colleges.