Manipur Shuts Down Educational Institutions Amidst NRC Demand and Census Disruption
IMPHAL, MANIPUR – The Manipur government has ordered a comprehensive shutdown of all educational institutions across the state from August 20 to August 23, citing the prevailing law and order situation. This drastic measure comes in response to a 48-hour shutdown called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), a prominent Meitei group, which is vehemently demanding the implementation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) before any Census exercise is conducted.
The closure impacts a wide spectrum of the educational landscape, encompassing all schools affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education Manipur, Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur, and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), as well as government, aided, and unaided colleges, higher education institutions, and universities. The directive, issued by Commissioner of Education (School) Ningthoujam Geoffrey, underscores the government’s concern over potential disruptions to normal activities and serves as a precautionary measure against the ongoing agitation. Deputy Commissioners, zonal education officers, and concerned directors have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance across their respective jurisdictions.
JFD Shutdown Paralyses Valley Districts
The JFD’s 48-hour protest, which commenced on Wednesday, has already significantly impacted daily life in several valley districts. The core of the Meitei organization’s demand revolves around the identification of undocumented migrants who they allege entered Manipur from neighboring countries after 1951. They contend that an NRC is crucial for this purpose and should precede any Census enumeration.
This demand, however, is not without controversy. Kuki organizations have strongly opposed it, accusing Meitei groups of attempting to unfairly label members of their community as undocumented immigrants. This ongoing dispute further exacerbates the already fragile political and ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur, adding another layer of complexity to the region’s challenges.
Census Operations Hit Hard
The agitation has directly obstructed preparations for the upcoming Census in the state. The student wing of the JFD has been particularly active, having already shut down the Directorate of Census Operations office in Imphal East and disrupted training centers where enumerators and supervisors were being prepared for their crucial duties. The government’s recent actions, including the closure of educational institutions, signal the expanding impact of these disruptions on the administrative machinery responsible for the Census.
In a separate order issued on Wednesday, the government officially cancelled appointments related to Census training. Moirangthem Priyaroshni Devi, Charge Officer and Sub-Divisional Officer, Lilong, Imphal West, confirmed that the appointments of supervisors, enumerators, and field trainers associated with the Census Training Programme have been rescinded. This move is a direct consequence of the widespread disruption of training activities amidst the ongoing JFD shutdown.
The Contentious NRC Demand
The call for an NRC in Manipur stems from deep-seated concerns within sections of the Meitei community regarding migration and demographic shifts. They advocate for identifying individuals who allegedly settled in Manipur after 1951 without proper documentation.
However, this demand has met with strong resistance from Kuki organizations, who vehemently reject the premise that their community members are illegal immigrants. The situation draws parallels, albeit with distinct differences, to the NRC update in Assam in 2019, an exercise aimed at identifying individuals who entered the state after March 25, 1971. In Manipur, the dispute over the timing and scope of an NRC has become inextricably linked with the proposed Census exercise, transforming a typically administrative process into a highly charged political issue.
For students, teachers, and educational institutions across Manipur, the immediate future remains uncertain. The four-day closure means a complete cessation of formal education, and all eyes are on the authorities for further directives regarding the resumption of classes and any necessary adjustments to academic schedules. The government’s decision to close educational institutions underscores the severity of the prevailing law and order situation and the significant impact of the ongoing protests on the state’s daily functioning. The critical question now remains how authorities will navigate this complex situation to ensure both public safety and the eventual resumption of vital state activities.
For more details on the situation, please refer to the original article: Manipur shuts all educational institutions
