Many decry arson at St Joseph's Hr Sec School, Sugnu
Source: The Sangai Express

Chandel/Imphal, April 26 2019: Unidentified miscreants set ablaze St Joseph's Higher Secondary School late last night reducing the place of learning to ashes.

Our correspondent, while inspecting the charred school, found that 10 rooms, including the Principal's room, common room and some class rooms had been completely destroyed.

Denouncing the act, several business establishments and vendors in Sugnu area remained closed today.

Meanwhile, teachers, students and guardians along with different CSOs staged a protest condemning that act of setting the school on fire.

Speaking to our correspondent, Parish Pastoral Council St Joseph's Sugnu vice president Jacob Doumang stated that the culprits behind the crime are not known yet however, there are certain suspicions.

He maintained that a few days back, six students of the school were suspended for a month as punishment for not listening to the teacher.

As a result, KSO had shut down the school, he added.

The fire occurred yesterday when KSO and the school authority decided to settle the matter today morning, he informed.

The students and guardians staged a sit in protest followed by a rally from Sugnu Keithel upto the school where a meeting attended by different CSOs was also held.

Many decry arson at St Joseph's Hr Sec School, Sugnu

Meanwhile, MLA of Chandel AC as well as Water Resources Minister Letpao Haokip also joined the meeting and assured the people that every possible aid will be extended and the school will be repaired at the earliest so that classes can continue soon.

On the other hand, a statement issued by president of KSO Gunpi block claimed that the association has nothing to do with the fire.

Thadou Students Association, Gunpi block, KSO Chandel district, Catholic Youth Organisation, Zillai Chandel district, Hill Tribal Council and other organisations have also condemned the incident.

The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) have also strongly condemned the burning down of the school, reports NNN.

In a statement, the ANSAM said that it is shocked and strongly condemned such cowardly action.

"Such action would not only deprive the students from progressing in their academic endeavour but also also create a long term fear psychosis," the Naga student body said.

In a separate statement, the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) said it is "deeply perturbed with the inhuman act" of torching down of the School by a "bunch of miscreants.

This act of arson perpetrated on educational institution is a desperate attack on humanity," the apex tribal student body of Manipur stated.

Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK) also condemned the burning of St Joseph School and a press release issued by SUK Kakching president urged the State Government to intervene at the earliest.

Strongly denouncing the act, SUK warned that the union's Kakching branch will take up stringent agitation if the State Government fails to do the needful at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the Senapati District Catholic Union (SDCU) has also condemned the violent and irrational attack on the school and maintained that State Government should not let the miscreants go free adding that appropriate penalties should be imposed.

On the other hand, Catholic Educational Society Manipur (CESM), condemned the arson in the strongest terms.

A press release issued by Catholic Educational Society Manipur Director maintained that such act of vandalism on an educational institution is against humanity.

CESM promised to extend full support and cooperation in the investigation of the crime until the culprits are booked and justice is delivered.

It extended prayers and support to the community of the school.

Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Hill Tribal Council, Joint Students' Coordination Committee (JSCC), All Private Schools Association Senapati (APSAS) and the United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) have also strongly condemned the arson at St Joseph's Higher Secondary School at Sugnu yesterday night.