Guwahati: Students of a few Christian Missionary schools in Manipur returned to class Tuesday amidst tight security after reports of threats from insurgent groups prompted some catholic schools to shut down in the valley for a day.
On Wednesday, police were found standing guard outside the Catholic schools in Imphal, patrolling along the routes used by the children, reassuring parents and school authorities of safety.
“We have identified at least six to seven Catholic schools in Imphal, vulnerable to threat of any kind. After a meeting with the school authorities, we have chalked out a security plan. There’s tight security around each of these schools, and we are ensuring proper safety along the routes used by the school vans,” Manipur DGP LM Khaute said.
A ninth standard student of Catholic School in Canchipur in Imphal said, “Our school van is being escorted by a police gypsy. We feel safe.”
School authorities are also taking feedback from parents on the security aspect and if there’s need for better arrangement, it was learnt.
However, many schools still remain closed in the state but police said that it was because of admission procedures that are currently taking place.
Manipur Education Minister T Radheshyam told News 18, “The situation is alright now. The students and teachers have returned to classes. We have assured the school authorities of adequate security, not only in this scenario, but as and when required. No school authority has spoken of any insurgent threat when we discussed the issue with them.”
He also remarked that education should be free from all sort of threat or demand.
A concerned parent said, “We are forced to accept this as a reality in Manipur schools. Every year during admissions, various student organizations and insurgent outfits make demands – we presume it is either ransom or for quotas. But such things should not be allowed to penetrate in to our education system.”
With inputs from Noren Ninghombam
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