Students protest against militants in Imphal

Imphal, Mar 10 (ANI): Over 500 students along with their teachers recently held a protest against the diktats of Maoist Communist Party, which demanded the closing down of educational institutions here.

"We are very tensed and cannot concentrate on our studies. Exams are also approaching and we are worried that our syllabus wouldn't be finished in time. So, we urge the militants to not disturb us in our studies," said Preety, a student.

Maoist Communist Party recently demanded that Catholic School, Little Flower School, St. Joseph School and St. George School in Imphal should shut down.

On February 27 suspected cadres of the militant group had locked the schools.

"One of the outfits called and asked the schools to shut down. The outfits are alleging that these four schools are forcibly trying to convert the students into Christian which is totally incorrect so we are protesting and want to tell militants that let students learn freely and do not disturb them," said Huidrom Binod Kumar Singh, a teacher.

Showing resilience, the students have refused to give in to their demands and continued with their studies.

"As a student I protest against what is happening to our school. I completely reject the idea of militants trying to disturb our studies," said Putrika, a student.

Over the years, militant activities have affected the growth and development of Manipur.

Thousands of Manipuri children today leave the state to study in other parts of the country. People want militants to shun violence so that development can take place and children can look forward to a better future. (ANI)