Imphal, October 24 2009: Along with recommending to the agitators and the Government to bring about an acceptable solution to the present crisis of closure of educational institutions within the current month, an open dialogue organised under the aegis of All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) at Adimjati complex here has resolved to ensure holding of the annual final examination in accordance to the academic calendar.

Leaders of various tribal student organisations, civil society organisations and parents/guardians of many students attended the open dialogue that led to the adoption of various recommendations towards ending the present deadlock.

Advisor of ATSUM John Pulamte has, however, made it clear that before taking a concrete decision, recommendations adopted in the open dialogue today would be further deliberated in the federal assembly of ATSUM within the next 10 days.

Among the recommendations, it has been noted that the agitation launched to protest the July 23 incident under the banner of Apunba Lup and the two JACs formed in connection with the said incident was justifiable in all respect.

However, closure of educational institutions has gone too far.

Instead of closing the educational institutions, Government offices may be shut down.

But education should be made a free zone, the advisor suggested.

Furthermore, the open dialogue recommended that an agreement should be brought about between the Government and the agitating Apunba Lup and the student bodies within the current month so as to ensure normal functioning of classes.

In case of failure, steps should be taken up to hold the annual examinations of the Board, Council, Manipur University and other Central schools including those affiliated to CBSE as per schedule.

The parents and guardians should also pay the required fee to meet the salaries and wages of the teachers working in Government recognised private schools and their van drivers.

In case, the Apunba Lup does not agree to this recommendation, then the Government of Manipur should pay the compensation in recognition of the present crisis as a Natural calamity.

If this is also not acceptable, the open dialogue recommended public donation drive for the purpose and conduct of special residential coaching classes for the students of class X and XII at many places.

Today's open dialogue expressed condolences and share in the bereavement of the family members of those who have been killed and injured in the July 23 Khwairamband Bazar incident.

Those who participate and spoke in the open dialogue observed that the Government should not remain indifferent to the public demands.

However, since the demand for resignation of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh is a political matter, it would not be fair to juxtapose with the education of the students.

Student bodies should not try to snub the career of the students and education should always be made a free zone.

Comment