The ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has crossed almost 15 months and with no end in sight, has made the people uncertain about the future, especially the weary students reeling under the conflict, with their academic careers in peril.
Decrying the prevailing situation in the state, which has hampered the education of numerous students, All Kha Kanglei Students’ Union (AKKSU) staged a protest demonstration at Kakching Ibudhou Naohallai Lampak on Thursday, participated by many students, their parents and guardians.
Speaking to the media, AKKSU general secretary Ksh National recalled the immense challenges faced by the student community of the state owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. He lamented that the unprecedented crisis had added to the woes of the students, threatening their academic career.
He pointed out that many students have left their studies and volunteered in defending the villages against attacks. The same is due to the failure of the central forces deployed in the state to protect the people, he alleged.
He went on to say that the central forces are of no use in the state if they are unable to execute their duties, to protect the lives of the people and students. He urged the centre and state governments to adopt a policy to ensure the safety and well being of the students to build their academic career.
Taking part in the protest, Kakching Apunba Nupi lup convenor, N Kalpana resented the state government’s infamous statement ‘will take action’ pertaining to the prevailing situation.
She condemned the central forces for allegedly remaining a mute spectator to the terror attacks carried out by the kuki militants, with the latest being the recent drone attack. ‘If they are unable to safeguard the lives and properties of the innocents, make them leave Manipur’, she asserted.
She added that overstaying will instead hamper the state’s economy. Kalpana further appealed to the government to take concrete measures to resolve the prevailing crisis, considering the future of the students and upcoming youths.
Protesters also paid tributes to the victims of the conflict including mother of young student Ngangbam Rojiya, Ngangbam Surbala, who was killed in a latest drone attack by kuki narco terrorists. Various placards were also displayed during the sit-in. It is said that a memorandum highlighting seven demands was also sent to the Prime Minister and Union Education Minister via post.
