Pen-Down strike by newly regularised lecturers continues; students’ academics and teachers’ careers at stake

The ongoing pen-down strike by 603 newly regularised lecturers under the Lecturers Association of Manipur (LAM) has entered its second week, causing growing concern across the academic community. Launched on July 21, the strike has paralysed higher secondary education in many government schools and threatens to deepen the crisis as the second phase of intensified protest is set to begin on August 2.
LAM had earlier announced that the first phase of the protest would conclude on July 26, but dissatisfaction over the lack of government response led to the continuation of agitation. In a show of unity and resolve, hundreds of protesting lecturers held a mass gathering on Wednesday at the Ema Panthoibi Community Hall, Thangmeiband, where they reaffirmed their commitment to the movement.
Soffie Nongmeikapam, a lecturer from Johnstone Higher Secondary School, while addressing the gathering, expressed disappointment over the government’s silence. “Despite our peaceful approach and the urgency of our demands, no concrete steps have been taken. If the government continues to ignore us, the strike will resume with greater force from August 2,” she stated.
The lecturers are demanding equal treatment and timely service benefits in line with those granted to their earlier regularised counterparts. They argue that the denial of financial and administrative entitlements violates not only service equity but also demoralises a vital section of the state’s teaching workforce. “We are not asking for special favours,” said a representative of LAM. “We are demanding what is rightfully due to us under the rules of regularisation.”
Tensions escalated further with reports of abrupt transfer orders issued to some lecturers actively participating in the strike. LAM denounced these transfers as an attempt to intimidate protestors and break their unity. “Such actions only reinforce our belief that the administration is avoiding the real issues by resorting to punitive measures,” a spokesperson remarked.
The strike is already having a direct impact on students, especially those preparing for crucial examinations. Several higher secondary schools have reported disruptions in regular classes, with no substitute arrangements made for core subjects. Students are left uncertain and anxious about syllabus completion and academic performance.
At the same time, the careers of the protesting lecturers remain uncertain. Many fear that prolonged delays in resolving the matter could not only affect their professional growth but also leave a lasting blemish on their service records.
While LAM expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to students and parents, they reiterated that the protest is rooted in justice and fairness. They urged the government to engage in dialogue before the second phase intensifies, warning that prolonged inaction could lead to further destabilisation of the education system in Manipur.