MANIPUR: schools in Manipur are preparing to resume operations for students in Classes 9 to 12, following a closure of nearly two months due to ethnic clashes. Media reports indicate that this reopening is scheduled for tomorrow, specifically on August 10th. According to an order, there are presently 1229 schools in Manipur catering to Classes 9 to 12, each managed by different entities. However, it's important to note that 28 schools actively involved in relief measures will not be part of this resumption.

The specific protocol for reopening these 28 schools involved in relief measures will be addressed through a separate order that will be issued at a later time. The authorities have assured that comprehensive and mandatory measures will be put in place to safeguard the educational progress of the students attending these schools, ensuring that their learning journey remains uninterrupted.

Under the directive of the Department of Education, Schools Manipur, all Zonal Education Officers are entrusted with the responsibility of communicating these developments to the concerned stakeholders and subsequently taking appropriate actions as required. Director L Nandakumar Singh of the Directorate of Education (Schools) is quoted in reports as confirming these instructions through an official order.

Additionally, the state government has undertaken an assessment of the school children currently residing in relief camps. As per the collected data, a total of 4747 students, ranging from pre-primary to Class XII, are presently taking shelter in these relief camps.

It's important to mention that earlier, on July 5th, schools catering to students from Class 1 to 8 had already resumed operations. This decision came after a hiatus of over two months, which was marked by ethnic violence within the state. During this period, the students displaced due to the turmoil were provided the opportunity to enroll in nearby schools without any admission fees. Notably, the requirement for permission to change schools, typically necessary for students transitioning from Class IX to XII, has been relaxed for those directly affected by the violence. This development was confirmed through an official release.
Amid these developments, it is worth mentioning that 96 out of 4,617 schools were unable to open their doors due to their current utilization for relief purposes and other essential functions.

In a related incident that transpired on August 8th, a case was filed by the Manipur Police against the Assam Rifles paramilitary force. This action comes in the wake of escalating calls for the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the northeastern state. Subsequently, the CRPF has taken over the responsibilities previously managed by the Assam Rifles in key conflict areas. Allegations against 9 Assam Rifles personnel involve "disobeying law by public servant with intent to cause injury to any person, obstructing public servant in charge of public function."

The events leading to the filing of the FIR date back to August 5th, when Assam Rifles personnel reportedly blocked their vehicles on the Kwakta Gothol road within the Bishnupur district. The Manipur police were conducting search operations related to an arms act case in pursuit of Kuki militants when personnel from the 9 AR unit stationed their 'Casper' vehicle, thereby obstructing the road. Notably, the Manipur unit of BJP had also expressed its desire for the permanent replacement of Assam Rifles with alternative paramilitary forces, citing public interest as the primary rationale behind this request.

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