NSUC asks JNV Chandel to temporarily transfer Meetei students
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 10 2023:
Naga Students' Union Chandel (NSUC) has asked Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Chandel to transfer Meitei students of the institution to the JNVs of valley districts on temporary attachment basis till normalcy returns in state.
As per a letter sent to JNV, Chandel principal on August 8, NSUC general secretary Philip Langhu pointed out that students of the state have lost much of the academic activities due to the prevailing social turmoil in the state which has created an ambiance of panic and insecurity, making it complicated for parents to ensure their children's access to quality education with many of the students forced to return to their own home/place.
"Yes, the government's order in regards to reopening of classes up to VII standard is heartily welcome and wehave no doubt as they are innocent by age and the Union believes that their parents will not advice their innocent children for negativity and uncertainty.
"However, students from higher classes (IX-XII) in your school are not yet allowed and the Union is aware of the reason.
Owing to this matter, it appeals you to resume the classes without further delay in a manner conducive to one and all.
That is, excluding the students of both Kuki and Meitei because the Nagas are peace loving people and will not allow JNV, Chandel to be amber of the current situations.
Hence, segregation of the two communities is one task which needs urgent attention," it said.
Stating that it believes a large number of students belonging to Kuki and Meitei communities who are enrolled in the school are involved in ethnic riots, NSUC asserted that therefore, it will be good to scrutinise students of the school even of the lower section as well.
NSUC also mentioned that no educational institutions in Manipur is accommodating children of both the two warring communities to stay together, so as to prevent occurrence of ethnic clash.
"If, you permit students of the Meiteis and Kukis to reside together in your residential school, you will be only inviting problem beyond your limits which will be difficult to douse.
And if any communal strife takes place in your campus, the school authority and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti will be held solely responsible and appropriate legal action as per the law of the land will be initiated against you and your organisation," it cautioned.
Pointing out that since the Kukis are settled under the jurisdiction of NSUC in Chandel and Tengnoupal districts whereas Meiteis brethren are from the valley districts, NSUC reiterated that it will be therefore logical to send the Meitei students to the JNVs of valley districts on temporary basis till peace is restored in the state.
NSUC further reminded the school authorities to act with great caution in times of uncertainty as precaution is better than cure and is the only weapon that can be utilised as an educationist.