Imphal, December 19 2009: Terming it absurd, the AMSU, MSF and KSA have derided the Government's decision to resume normal classes from December 21 as well as the accompanying threat that schools unable to resume normal classes would be viewed seriously.

A joint statement issued by the three student bodies exuded confidence that teachers and authorities of schools and colleges would not be cooperating with the inconsistent decision of the Government.

It also appealed to all the people to stand firm against the alleged misplaced policies of Chief Minister O Ibobi which could invite unwanted incidents in educational institutions.

Reiterating that the indefinite class boycott was launched against the brutal killings of July 23 as it was felt that right to life is paramount, the student bodies claimed that all attempts of the Government and their agents to derail the post July 23 movement have failed.

Chief Minister Ibobi's attempt to resume classes by deploying police commandos in educational institutions and threatening teachers including Headmasters and Principals have also proved futile, they asserted.

Claiming that students, teachers, guardians and school/college authorities have been continuously supporting the class boycott movement, the student bodies lamented alleged inability of the Ibobi led State Government to comprehend the basic reasons for the failure of all their attempts to resume normal classes.

The notification of the Additional Secretary of Education (S) to resume normal classes from December 21 and the accompany veiled threat of 'further actions' was most irrational, the student bodies alleged.

Rather than coming up with such decisions, the meeting held yesterday with the Chief Minister in the chair should have deliberated on how the resolve the protracted issue in a satisfactory manner.

The AMSU, MSF and KSA are well aware that the people of Manipur and students are facing severe hardships because of the total indifference of the Government towards the demands of the Apunba Lup.

However, the Government has done very little till date to fulfil the demands of the people.

Rather, the Government has been making extra efforts to consolidate their position.

Despite lack of any sincere initiative from the Government to resolve the issue, the Apunba Lup has already compromised its stand to a certain extent in view of the hardships being suffered by the people because of the prolonged movement.

The Apunba Lup has already scaled down from its demand of Ibobi's resignation to resignation or removal of Home portfolio from Okram Ibobi, the student bodies reminded.

The Apunba Lup has also clearly laid down that resolving the issue or keeping it alive now rests with the State Government.

But Chief Minister O Ibobi is still refusing to budge from its position thereby keeping a solution to the post July 23 movement elusive.

Because of his infatuation with his posts which can produce huge amounts of money, many innocent people have been killed in fake encounters while those protesting in democratic manner against such killings have been imprisoned under NSA, alleged the student bodies.

They further alleged that Chief Minister O Ibobi is little concerned even as tens of thousands of students have been staying away from education in pursuit of right to life.

Notwithstanding voices of disapproval raised by the people of Manipur and many others from different parts of India and abroad against the series of fake encounters enacted under O Ibobi's rule, the Government is acting deaf to all these voices.

The student bodies further asserted that it would be a correct step towards bringing a justified solution to the protracted issue if the State Government retracts its position a little just as the Apunba Lup did.

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