Students, teachers and staffs of Mission Blind School, Heikakpokpi, Chandel who have been undergoing hunger strike protest since June 23 demanding recognition of their school were prevented from meeting the Chief Minister today. The students, teachers and staffs came to meet the chief minister to put up their demands however, they were pushed out at NupiLal Memorial Complex. The students, staffs and the teacher later continue the protest at NupiLal Memorial Complex.
The principal of the school, K. Parengton speaking to the media person said that the school has around 55 students and has been running by public donation and contribution from Assam Rifle of Kakching since 2003. They never get any sort of assistance from the state government as the school is yet to be recognized by the state government.
He further said that in October 2013,the Chief Minister had assured to recognize the school as full-fledged government school, in the presence of MLA DK Korungthang and Education Minister M Okendro however no measures to fulfill the assurance has been taken up till today.
The demand of the Mission Blind School, Heikakpokpi Chandel is being supported by various disable organizations of the state. Representatives of the school while talking to media threatens the government intensified agitation if the government failed to convert the school into a full-fledged government school. He further added that they will continue the protest at NupiLal Memorial Complex until they meet the Chief Minister.
A student of this school Angom Chinglenkhomba (36) S/O A.Kerani Singh of Uripok Kangchup Road said that he has been studying at the school since 2008 however, he never get any facilities that has to be provided to the blind students. He said due to fund restrain the school can’t afford even qualified teachers besides providing good drinking water and electricity. He appealed the government to listen to their demand.
