Bomb blast at LFS gate Save students call sounded all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 06 2022: Staff and students of Little Flower School staged a protest demonstration today in front of the school even as condemnations of the bomb blast at the school gate in the wee hours of June 5 continue to pour in.

Strongly denouncing the bomb blast, students and staff of the school staged a protest in front of the school holding placards which read 'We condemn bomb attack on our school', 'Make education a free zone', 'Allow us to grow without fear', 'Pabung Biren and Education Minister, Protect Us', 'We want Peace, Stop violence' etc.

The protesters raised many slogans as well.

Speaking in connection with the protest, Headmistress of Little Flower School, Kaini Martha termed the incident as really unfortunate as a school which educates only girl students should not be targeted by such acts of violence thereby creating fear and a state of unrest.

Bomb blast at LFS gate Save students call sounded all over

She appealed to all concerned to ensure that such acts do not recur in future and let the students study without fear.

Further she maintained that the school has been striving earnestly for the well-being of girl students so that they become responsible citizens in future and urged the Government to provide protection so that the students can study in a peaceful environment.

Khomdram Sushanti, a student of the school while denouncing the blast said that the education zone should be free from all forms of crime.

She sought the attention of the authorities concerned to take up appropriate measures against the perpetrators involved.

United Association of Recognized Schools of Manipur, parents of Little Flower School students and teachers of the school have also appealed to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference held at Manipur Press Club today, L Joy, president United Association of Recognized Schools of Manipur, strongly condemned the bomb blast adding that such acts of intimidation will create an environment of fear among students as well as their parents.

If anyone has issues with the school, its administration and so on, then these issues should be discussed with the relevant authorities of the school to bring about an amicable solution, he stated.

Many organisations in the State and beyond have also joined the chorus of condemnations surrounding the bomb blast incident at the school.

The Manipur Catholic Women Organization (MCWO) condemned the blast in the strongest terms and maintained that a school which has been producing students who are changing the scenario of the State for better is being targeted in a violent way for unknown reasons.

The organization in a press release also opined that acts of terror and violence are not solutions to any issue as dialogue, peaceful and democratic approaches will better solve issues.

Stating that the mothers of Manipur will not remain as a silent spectator to such irresponsible acts of a few groups of people, posing a threat to the lives of their children, MCWO appealed to all that such violent acts do not occur again in any of the educational institutes.

Reacting against the blast at Little Flower School, Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) has stated that the act is against the whole student community thereby inciting fear among the students and educational institutes in the State.

AIMS in a press release maintained that resorting to such cowardly acts of violence will only lead the society to a regressive state and appealed to all concerned to refrain from such acts in future to ensure that students learn in a violence and crime free environment.

The Senapati District Catholic Union (SDCU) also strongly condemned the 'barbaric act' and stated that even during war times, schools are considered as the safest places for shelter. Therefore, no one can even imagine that this type of threat or intimidation still exists in this era of civilization, a statement from SDCU said.

The SDCU further requested all civilized individuals and groups not to engage in such cheap exploits as it only creates fear amongst the student community.

All Manipur Gorkha Students' Union also joined in the cries of condemnation adding that the blast has created fear psychosis among students and parents to the point where students feel insecure in their school.

In a statement, AMGSU appealed to the organization concerned not to target educational institutions in the future.

Expressing deep shock, North East Students' Organisation (NESO), which comprises of Khasi Students' Union (KSU), All Assam Students' Union (AASU), Naga Students Federation (NSF), Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Twipra Students' Federation (TSF), All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Garo Students' Union (GSU) and All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), condemned the 'dastardly act' in the strongest term possible.

NESO said it will extend its full support and solidarity to Little Flower School to move forward in the interest of the indigenous people of the State.

It is worth noting that NESO, AMGSU, SDCU, AIMS and MCWO have also appealed to the Government and law enforcing authorities to do everything possible to book the culprits, deliver justice and create a safe and secure learning environment free from such acts of violence in schools and educational institutes all across the State.