Manipur extends school closures in curfew-affected districts amid escalating ethnic violence and rising tensions.
The Manipur government has extended the closure of all schools and colleges in districts under curfew from November 27, 2024, until further notice. The affected districts include Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, and Jiribam. These educational institutions have been closed since November 16 following the recovery of six bodies바카라”three women and three children바카라”from the Jiri and Barak rivers across Manipur and Assam.
The tragic incident unfolded after a violent confrontation on November 11 between security forces and suspected Kuki-Zo militants. This gunfight, which resulted in the deaths of 10 insurgents, was followed by the disappearance of the six victims, who belonged to the Meitei community, from a relief camp in Jiribam. The discovery of their bodies further escalated tensions in the region, already fraught with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023.
In an official notification, the Directorate of Education declared the indefinite closure of state-run, government-aided, private, and central schools in the valley districts. A separate order stated that colleges under the Higher and Technical Education Department, including state universities in curfew-affected areas, would also remain shut.
To mitigate the challenges posed by the curfew, district authorities have announced a daily relaxation from 5 a.m. to 12 noon, allowing residents to purchase essential items and medicines. However, strict restrictions remain in place during the relaxation period, with public gatherings, rallies, and sit-ins prohibited without prior approval from competent authorities.
The decision to extend the closure of educational institutions comes amidst rising tensions, with the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent civil society group in the Imphal Valley, calling for a two-day shutdown of state and central government offices from November 27. COCOMI바카라™s demands include the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and a crackdown on suspected Kuki militants. While the group has exempted educational institutions from the shutdown, the state government deemed it necessary to keep them closed as a precautionary measure.
Manipur has been reeling under ethnic violence since May 2023, with over 250 people killed and thousands displaced. The ongoing conflict between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki-Zo groups has caused widespread disruption and insecurity. The recent escalation, marked by the November 11 incident and its aftermath, has further strained the fragile situation in the state.
This indefinite closure of schools and colleges in Manipur reflects the grave extent of the issue, which is affecting the lives of many civilians. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to stabilize the region and address the underlying causes of unrest. The government바카라™s focus remains on restoring peace and ensuring the well-being of all residents.
(This article is a reworked version of a PTI feed)