Thousands Rally Against ‘Educational Negligence’ in Churachandpur

Thousands of students marched on the streets of Lamka (Churachandpur) during a “Rally Against Educational Negligence,” protesting against the discrimination of Kuki-Zo students in Manipur, on Saturday. The rally was held under the aegis of Joint’ Students Body, Lamka.

Students from various educational institute and Coaching Centers within the district congregated at Lamka Public Ground and marched till Mini Secretariat Complex, Tuibong, Churachandpur, raising various slogans against the government for the glaring educational disparity and the consequent negligence on the part of the state, where the conflict has rendered thousands of tribal students unable to resume their classes.

All forms of remedial measures in catering to Kuki-Zo students’ interest are still pending, while months have passed since these students are left with no respite,  Joint Students’ Body (JSB), Lamka said in statement issued today.

“While students from all kinds of fields had their careers on hold, and in a time where job seekers had to travel to far off centers irrespective of the cost on their pockets, students of the Kuki- Zo ethnic tribes felt neglected at the slow pace of the state to adequately address their plight. The rally thus, is a demonstration of the students’ frustration and a culmination of their disorientation, a sign of protest against a partisan state which only promotes Meitei interests while neglecting the welfare and interests of the Kuki-Zo people and their students.”

In light of the injustices born by the Kuki-Zo students, the JSB submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister through the Deputy Commissioner which demanded the establishment of a Central University, institutes of technical and medical education, timely disbursal of funds and benefits under the tribal ministry to organizations based in the hill districts. The demand also included expediting the completion of Churachandpur Medical College (CMC) being undertaken at Mata Village and in the meantime, to streamline classes at the temporary centre at Headquarter Veng and immediate resumption of online examinations conducted by SSC/BANKS-IBPS/UGCNET/NEET-JEE/AGNIVEERS/NTA etc at CDS-INFOTECH Lamka (Churachandpur).

While we continue to support the efforts and demands of our leaders for a political solution, we resolve to continue our fight for justice - the other name for which is, “Total Separation from Manipur,” JSB reiterated in their memorandum addressed to the Union Home Minister.