Govt's call for class resumption; Luke warm response in Imphal area
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 09 2009: Even though the State Government has taken up necessary measures to ensure resumption of normal class in schools and colleges from today, the attendance of students was very low and practically there were no classes in schools and colleges of Imphal area today.

However, in Thoubal district, the attendance of the students was reportedly fair with 60 percent attending schools around the district headquarters.

Although some students including those coming to schools and colleges to consult with their teachers were seen, the normal sight of students gathering near the gates of the schools and colleges, in the playground or in the class room was missing.

Despite the call of the Government, schools remained closed, displaying empty class room and two guards stand in for security

Van services ferrying students to and fro were also not seen.

Some of the school authorities in Imphal area also allegedly told the van drivers not to start their services until the situation normalises as they would not be able to take the responsibility of any untoward incidents.

Nonetheless, patrolling and deployment of security personnel around the campuses of the educational institutions were noticed.

Teachers also reported to their respective schools and colleges.

A meeting of the SPF Legislature Party had decided to resume normal classes in schools and colleges from today and Education Minister L Jayantakumar had appealed to the students to start attending classes.

Over and above this, the All Manipur Students' Guardians' Association had also called upon all the parents to send their children to schools and colleges.

However, as the outcome of the first round of talks with the Government was not satisfactory, the Apunba Lup had cautioned against resumption of normal classes in schools and colleges until a positive response from the side of the Government, in connection with the public demands over the July 23 Khwairamband Bazar incident, is forthcoming.

It may be noted here that in the aftermath of the July 23 incident, which left two persons dead and five others injured in alleged firing by police commandos, the Apunba Lup has been spearheading an agitation demanding justice.

However, as the Government has not acceded to the demands of the Apunba Lup, three student bodies, namely AMSU, MSF and KSA jointly announced indefinite class boycott since September 9 in support of the demands.

Since then all the schools and colleges have been remaining virtually shut down.

On top of this, imposition of indefinite curfew by the Government and calling of general strike, bandh etc by the agitators over the July 23 incident have deprived the students of their normal classes all along.

When The Sangai Express went around to inspect the functioning of the schools, around to inspect the functioning of the schools, most of the principals observed that even if the Government has announced resumption of normal classes, majority of the parents/guardians are hesitant from sending their children to the schools until resolution of the existing conflict between the Government and the Apunba Lup.

Principal of Herbert School Dr K Nabachandra informed that the school has been holding meetings to discuss the issue related to class boycott call.

But in view of the prevailing unsettling situation most of the parents/guardians are apprehensive of sending their children to the school.

The school authority also feel the same over what might happen in the event of resuming classes when there is restriction from one side still.

Furthermore, Dr Nabachandra opined that the State Government lacks seriousness and sincerely in dealing with the current issue.

The State Government is expected to take up atleast some remedial measures and this may help in pacifying the anger of the people, he added.

Expressing serious concern over the possible impact on the career of the students as a consequence of the protracted class boycott agitation, Dr Nabachandra fervently appealed for an amicable settlement of the conflict between the Apunba Lup and the Government at the earliest possible.

Principal of Keishamthong High School Ch Direndra disclosed that the meeting of the parent-teacher association of the school had been held and during the said meeting most of the guardians expressed disfavour against sending their children to the school until resolution of the matter between the Apunba Lup and the Government.

The assurance of the Government to provide security to ensure resumption of normal classes is not in favour of the guardians and students.

The guardians have opined that sight of armed security personnel would frighten the students, he said, while informing that only two students who were not in uniform came to the school today.

According to principal of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy T Promodini, four students have come to the school today but no classes were conducted.

On the other hand, attendance of students in schools around Thoubal district headquarters was reportedly good with 60 percent.

Schools were also opened and normal classes conducted in Yairipok area.

In Kakching area, the attendance of the students recorded in schools was said to be 40 percent.

However, in places far away from Kakching, most of the schools remained closed.

In contrast, in Bishnupur district, the overall attendance of the students in schools was low.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Government Higher Secondary Lecturers' Welfare Association has appealed to the Government to bring about an amicable solution to end the ongoing class boycott agitation and allow the students to have normal classes.

In a statement, the Association also appealed to the agitating student bodies to suspend their agitation in the interest of saving the career of the students.

The Association has also strongly condemned the last night's attempt of arson at Ananda Singh Hr Secondary Academy.