Educational institutes closure may cost a year to Manipuri students

Imphal, Nov.14 (ANI): With militancy affecting almost all aspects of life in Manipur, educational institutes too have been forced to close down for an indefinite period.

These institutes have been closed since September 9, snf it is now being feared, that thousands of students may lose an academic year as a result.

To discuss this grave situation and to bring about a resolution, a meeting under the aegis of "All Manipur Recognized Private Schools' Welfare Association" was organized in Imphal recently.

Guardians and teachers from various educational establishments attended the meeting.

Participants at the meeting government and agitating student bodies to re-open all educational institutions immediately.

"The lives of students will be affected due to the closing down of schools. We, the teachers are really worried about it. All of us must take up some measures to solve the problem. This meeting is dedicated to discussing this problem," said H. Bira Sing, President, All Manipur Recognized Private Schools' Welfare Association.

"Students are the foundation of the society. Now that they aren't going to school, they are sitting idle at home which will lead them to take up unwanted activities," added Romtia, Teacher with the Royal Academy of Science.

The prolonged indefinite closure has affected the students, teachers, other staff members of schools and even the van drivers, as salaries have also been put on hold.

School staff and parents are worried that the required syllabus will not be completed in time for the annual examination.

"This is harmful to the student community. Students are not turning up in colleges even though teachers are present. Because of the boycotting of class, we cannot cover required syllabus," said Th. Lokendro, Principal of the Imphal College

"Children haven't been going to school for the last 2-3 months. It is a sad situation. They are staying at home without proper education," said Gangarani, a parent.

The meeting also resolved to launch movements like sit-in-protests, mass rallies and surrendering of recognition certificates by private schools in case regular classes are not allowed to resume.

However, following the continuous appeals made by different sections of the society, a few schools located in different parts of Thoubal district have reopened and students have resumed attending classes. (ANI)