IT News
Imphal, Sept 25:
The reputation of the Manipuri community has come under scrutiny after Kuki students at Carmel School in Rani, Kamrup, Assam, allegedly offered beef to Hindu students, sparking outrage among parents and the local community. The incident reportedly took place on September 19, but came to light only after concerned parents were notified, leading to protests outside the school on Tuesday, September 24. During the protests, slogans such as “Manipuri go back” were raised, further escalating tensions.
Parents allege that the school administration tried to downplay the seriousness of the matter. It is claimed that the principal of Carmel School threatened the affected Hindu students from Assamese families, discouraging them from speaking out about the issue, which they consider a violation of their religious beliefs. Frustrated by the school’s inaction, parents filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Rani police station, accusing the school of irresponsibility and negligence in addressing the situation.
One parent, whose child attends Carmel School, expressed confusion over the nature of the food. “I am not sure whether it was beef or not, but my daughter told me that it was beef mixed with Maggie. The principal didn’t respond to our queries,” the parent said, raising concerns over the school’s handling of the incident.
Another parent shared more detailed allegations. “We want the Manipuri community students to be expelled from the school. The incident happened on Thursday, but I only learned about it on Friday evening when a local shopkeeper informed me that beef was served on the school premises. My son, who studies there, told me that some Manipuri students were distributing beef. I had previously warned him not to accept meat from that community, as it could be beef. On Thursday, a Kuki student gave him some meat, and when he tasted it and asked what it was, a classmate told him it was beef,” the parent explained.
The incident has further escalated with reports that Kuki students also physically assaulted local Assamese students. Parents claim that they had lodged complaints with the school regarding these assaults, but no action was taken by the administration. This has raised broader concerns about the school’s management and adherence to government educational guidelines, which parents argue are being neglected.
In response to the rising tensions, the Palashbari revenue circle officer, along with police and paramilitary forces, has been deployed to the area to manage the situation and conduct further investigations. The local administration is working to restore order and ensure a thorough investigation into the allegations.
The incident has stoked ethnic and religious tensions in the region, drawing attention to the delicate communal balance in Assam, particularly in areas with mixed ethnic groups. Many are now calling for swift action to address the grievances of the affected students and their families, and for measures to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
With both the Manipuri and Assamese communities feeling aggrieved, the situation remains tense as authorities work to de-escalate the conflict and restore calm. The outcome of the investigation, along with the school’s response, will likely play a crucial role in determining the path forward.
