MUSU rallies for peace, RTE
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 24 2023: Students of Manipur University today took out a peaceful rally demanding restoration of peace and the right to education of the students' community of the State amid firing of tear gas shells by police.

The rally which was organised by the Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU) began from MU main gate and proceeded towards Singjamei along Imphal-Moreh highway.

The students were demanding the Government to restore peace and internet service in the State and to ensure the right to education.

When they reached Kakwa, a team of Singjamei police station tried to stop them from proceeding any further.

The students somehow overcame the police barricade and marched forward.

MUSU rallies for peace, RTE

They were stopped again by another police team at Waikhom Leikai where they were subjected to a volley of tear gas shells and mock bombs.

In the midst of the tear gas shells and mock bombs, a heated argument broke out between the two sides with the students questioning as to why the police were using tear gas shells and mock bombs upon the students who were taking out a peaceful rally, demanding peace and protection of the right to education.

The students also asked the authority concerned to address the grave issues civilians have been facing on account of relentless attack by armed militants in the peripheral areas of the valley.

The students later re-grouped and proceeded with their peace rally toward Singjamei and they were joined by the womenfolk of the nearby area.

Speaking to media persons, MUSU president Thokchom Sanamani said that the student community has been severely impacted by the ongoing crisis in the State and urged the Central Government to address the core issue which has been persisting for around three months.

Due to the prevailing situation, students are unable to focus their attention to education and the situation has been exacerbated due to the shutdown of internet service.

The students held placards which read "We demand the right to education", "We demand right to internet", "Justice for all", "Stop playing the blame game" and "Save Manipur" .