Reopen educational institutions: Student bodies to Govt
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 27 2024: Six student organisations, namely MSF, DESAM, KSA, SUK, AIMS, and another student body, have condemned the government's policy of shutting down educational institutions to dilute the people's movements.

Describing such an approach "irrational and outrageous", the student bodies called on the government to issue orders to reopen educational institutions within short notice.

Speaking to media persons at AIMS' Kwakeithel office on Wednesday, co-ordinator of the six organisations, Oinam Nikarson pointed out that people of the state as well as the student community are facing serious inconveniences since the conflict broke out on May 3, 2023 .

He lamented that despite hardships faced by the people, the government has halted academic activities by closing schools and colleges for two days from November 17 on the ground of potential protest movements.

"The government policy to suppress democratic rights of the students by closing down educational institutions under the pretext of containing public movement is absurd and outrageous," he contended, asserting that students are the backbone for making an egalitarian society.

"A failed generation of students would mean a disastrous future for Manipur.

So, the government should stop such acts which will hinder progress of the society," he added.

Educational institutions have remained closed since November 17 through several notifications issued by the authorities in view of the current unrest.

However, educational institutions are not disrupted on any parts of the world even in times of world wars, Nikarson said.

At the same time, he referred to the order issued on November 26 for indefinite closure of educational institutes from November 27 until further notice and termed the same as regressive.

He observed that such act is akin to preying on the innocent rather than challenging the formidable.

Reiterating the demand for immediate withdrawal of the order for closure of educational institutions, Nikarson said that students' access to uninterrupted education should be guaranteed, while safeguarding their democratic rights.

Meanwhile, Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak (FESOK) and All Kwakta Youths' Voluntary Organisation (AKYVO) condemned closure of educational institutions by the government to suppress public movements.

Stating that such closure is violating Right to Education of the students, they urged authorities concerned to reopen the educational institutes in view of the forthcoming Board/Council and university examinations.

While noting that children of MLAs and higher-ups may study outside the state and not be affected by the frequent closure of educational institutions, FESOK said that students pursuing studies in Manipur are adversely affected by these academic disruptions.

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