Would appeals suffice ?
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: November 08, 2009 -

The decision to work towards resumption of normal classes after a prolonged closure is a step in the right direction though the decision came quite belatedly. Many would be asking what was the Government doing all these days.

But the more crucial question and the one that would be hard to answer is, would a mere decision, a follow-up appeal (to the public) and assurance for security measures suffice to bring students back to classrooms. It is not only the Government, all parents, guardians and students wish resumption of classes.

Even the agitating student bodies–– AMSU, MSF, KSA and other organisations would not want to keep students away from schools/colleges, unreasonably long.

Noting the colossal loss that would result from prolong deprivation of education to students, many sections have already raised their voice not to disturb education even if other modes of agitation should continue.

But one finds it hard to believe that parents/guardians would send their children to schools/colleges on the mere appeals and assurance for 'security', although they wish to send their children back to schools with all their hearts, particularly in the backdrop of the heated argument and counter-argument between student organisations.

Parents and guardians would be certainly sensing an eerie feeling as the dialogue between the Government and the civil organisations seemed to have broken down while the situation is also not at all normal.

It rather sounds awkward that educational institutions would be re-opened under security cover. It's hard to guess how long classes can be conducted under security protection. The situation rather than returning to normal is becoming more and more complex. There is no harm in making appeals.

But the common desire of the mass at this moment is initiation of certain actions by the Government that would be acceptable to one and all alike, in addition to making appeals. Any quid pro quo approach would be detrimental in carrying forward the crucial negotiation.

The cessation of dialogue between the agitating organisations and the Government after the first round of talk is a disappointing indication that the two sides have been caught in a deadlock on certain points.

Even though the first round of talk held at the initiative of the Senior Citizens For Society began on a positive note with both sides confident of coming to an agreement, the two sides now seemed to have once again stuck to their guns.

One can read that the impasse is very much there. Keeping apart the question of fulfilling the demands raised by the civil organisations as another issue, the Government and the agitating organisations need to find a negotiable condition specifically for resumption of class.

The agitating organisations, the people and the Government may decide whether the protest movement should be carried further or launch new movements. But at the moment, the situation demands that both the parties come to a negotiable ground even if it is for resumption of class only.

The situation is now taking an uglier turn as student organisations have started mudslinging between themselves over the issue of class boycott.

To avoid bad-feelings and rivalry among student organisations and also to enable students attend class, the Government, besides making appeals, need to take up some visible steps in the direction of a negotiated settlement, if not amicable solution, with the agitating bodies.

In the absence of such a sincere approach, it is hard to believe that parents/guardians would send their children to schools/colleges on the mere assurance of security.

Though they have not taken many decisions in open meetings, it is only natural and obvious that parents as well as students earnestly wish for resumption of class.

Parents would not wait for appeals and security arrangements to send their children to schools once the condition is set conducive for resumption of class.