As the situation in Manipur continues to remain tense, the State Government on June 30 decided to defer the resumption of normal classes at all schools in the state till July 8.
The order read, “The resumption of normal classes for all schools in the state, as issued vide order of even no. dated 19-06-2023, stands deferred till 08-07-2023 or until further order, whichever is earlier.” “All Zonal Education officers under the Department of Education-Schools, Manipur are hereby directed to inform all concerned and take up necessary actions accordingly,” the order read.
“This is issued with the approval of the Government vide letter no. MISC5-10/1/2023 EDN (S)-EDN(S) dated June 30, 2023,” added.
Manipur Police on June 29 said the situation is tense in some places with sporadic incidents of firing in the past 24 hours but normal in most districts.
Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).
The dispute has to do with a long-standing demand by the Meitei people for a Scheduled Tribe status under the Indian Constitution, which would give those privileges comparable to the tribal communities. In April, a Manipur High Court verdict directed the State Government to make a decision on the issue preferably within four weeks. The tribal communities protested the Meitei demand.
The All Tribal Student Union of Manipur (ATSUM) conducted a solidarity march in all hill districts on 3 May. By the end of March, clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki populations in and around the Churachandpur district bordering the Imphal Valley.
(with inputs from ANI)
