Manipur Schools To Remain Closed; Resumption Order Cancelled

The Manipur government has taken back its decision to reopen schools and colleges in Imphal Valley and Jirbhim district in response to renewed violence in the region. The schools and colleges in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal Bishnupur, Kakching, and Jiribam remained closed for nearly a week after the prohibitory orders.

In a fresh order issued by the Directorate of Education (schools), the earlier order for the resumption of normal classes has been canceled now. As per the new directives, “The school reopening order dated November 24, for all government, government-aided, private and central schools is hereby revoked. All schools in the valley district will remain closed on November 25 and 26”. In affected areas, the colleges will also remain closed.

Read also: “The Writing On The Wall Is Clear”: Jairam Ramesh’s Swipe At MLAs ‘Skipping’ NDA Meet In Manipur

However, the curfew in several districts including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts was eased during the daytime from 5 am to 12 pm to allow residents to buy essential goods. The closing orders were issued on November 16 after the escalating violence in Manipur, especially in valley districts, and remained effective until November 23.

In Manipur’s Imphal East district, today, thousands of women went against the curfew orders and held a rally demanding the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 to be repealed from the state. The center has recently imposed AFSPA in six police stations including the violence that hit Jirbam in Manipur.

Read also: Violence Spreads In Manipur, Legislators’ Residences Attacked: 10 Points

The AFSPA gives armed forces the authority to search, arrest, and open fire if they find it necessary for the ‘maintenance of public order’.