Manipur Government Closes Schools As Violence Intensifies In Region

On Monday, the Manipur government announced the closure of all schools in six valley districts, citing concerns over the safety of students and staff in light of escalating violence in the region.

The decision, made by the Director of Education (School) L Nandakumar Singh, reflects the government’s efforts to ensure the safety of educational communities amid growing unrest.

This follows a period of heightened tension in the valley districts, particularly after the discovery of the bodies of three children and three women in Jiribam.

The killings, which occurred on 15 and 16 November, have sparked outrage across the state.

In response, the government had already closed all educational institutions in five curfew-bound districts – Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching – for two days, 18 and 19 November.

The tragic deaths were attributed to an abduction by Kuki militants on 11 November, with the victims taken from Borobekra Subdivision in Jiribam.

The disturbing nature of the crimes has led to widespread protests.

Manipur University Students Protest; Demand Justice For Victims

Earlier, on Tuesday, students of Manipur University staged a sit-in demonstration, demanding justice for the victims.

The protest, organized by the Manipur University Student Union (MUSU) and the Jiribam Students Forum, saw students burning effigies of the Manipur Chief Minister and the Governor.

They condemned the torture, rape, and murder of the six individuals, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the authorities’ response.

N Ibenoubi, the daughter of one of the victims, Y Rani Devi, shared her grief and frustration during the protest.

She stated, “I had pleaded with the chief minister to rescue my mother and family but instead he redirected the matter saying he could not decide the fate of the hostages.”

MUSU president Nongthombam Suraj also voiced concerns, stating that it was pointless for students to focus on education in such a politically and socially unstable environment.

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