Manipuri students demand disturbance-free education

The education sector in the northeast is severely affected by activities of militant groups.

Recently students and teachers took out a rally in Imphal demanding disturbance-free education.

Over 15000 students and teachers from various schools and institutes held a rally demanding that education should be free from disturbances. The rally was organized by the Democratic Students alliance of Manipur. It started from Thangmeiband Athletic Union ground and made its way to the Khuman Lampak Sports complex. The rally was followed by a public meeting.

Similar rallies were also taken out in Bishnupur and Thoubal district against insurgency-led violence.

"Most insurgent groups demand monetary funds from the schools. If they don't get it, they threaten the school administration which affects the child psychology. We are organizing the mass rally to appeal all the related authorities not to interfere in the education sector," said Wangmayum Islauddin, President, Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur.

Over the years, there have been frequent attempts to disrupt the functioning of educational institutes. Insurgents not only demand money, but threaten teachers by throwing grenades and firing at schools. Such activities create a fear psychosis among students, and affect their normal growth and development.

"All students are mentally harassed by the crimes happening in Manipur. Because of these crimes like keeping bombs in schools, shooting students for no reason, students are really disturbed. And I believe that with this rally we can make the future of students better," said Bidya Devi, a student.

"I think this mass rally is very good because there are so many disturbances in the state now-a-days, especially in the student community. The minds of the students are very disturbed. They are not able to learn their lessons well because of the disturbances like general strikes, bandhs, and monetary demands by underground outfits," added Tongbram Ningthouren, a teacher.

People in the Northeast are tired of insurgent-led violence which has slowed down the growth of the region. They want the militant outfits to give up violence so that the state can move forward on the path of development.