IT News
Imphal, Nov 27:
Mayengbam Somorjit Meitei, President of the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), has expressed concern over the repeated closure of educational institutions in the state due to the ongoing ethnic conflict. Schools, colleges, universities, and other academic institutions were closed again yesterday following a government notification citing the prevailing law and order situation.
The ethnic conflict, which began last year, has disrupted every section of society, with education being among the most severely affected sectors. According to Meitei, this comes after consecutive disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and floods, leaving students struggling to recover academically.
DESAM has been actively protesting for the declaration of educational institutions as disturbance-free zones, ensuring uninterrupted access to education despite external challenges. However, the continued instability has prevented normalcy in the functioning of schools and colleges.
The DESAM President emphasized that students have refrained from engaging in protests or activities that could justify the closures. “Human resources are a critical aspect of our society’s future. This war-like situation cannot continue to undermine education,” Meitei stated, urging the government to prioritize the restoration of normalcy in educational institutions.
The indefinite closure of schools has raised questions about the state’s preparedness to address educational challenges amid ongoing crises, leaving students and parents in distress.
The DESAM President has reiterated the demand for legislation to ensure that educational institutions have at least 220 working days annually. However, no steps have been taken in this regard so far, he stated.
With examinations for Manipur University and colleges approaching, the DESAM President highlighted the urgency of maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar. He also pointed out that the civil society organizations (CSOs) currently involved in agitations have refrained from disrupting educational institutions.
According to the DESAM President, immediate measures are needed to safeguard education and prevent further academic setbacks in the state.
