Imphal, Jul 11: Dubbing the act of burning BSEM prescribed text-books in some hill district areas as a political gimmick done at the behest of politicians, Education Minister L Nandakumar advised the agitation sponsors not to compromise with the career of young students.

Speaking to reporters today on the incident of setting fire to the textbooks in some parts of the hill districts yesterday in connection ANSAM's non-cooperation movement against the State Government, the Minister dismissed the incident as the handiwork of mischievous elements which if allowed to persist would have negative impact on the students' future.

asserting that ANSAM's preference for text books prescribed by Nagaland Board of School Education would never materialise as educational institutions recognised by the Manipur Government would not be allowed to entertain text books other than those recommended by the BSEM, Nandakumar alleged that the text books were set on fire to further the political aspirations of some vested interest.

stating that as separate entities Governments of Manipur and Nagaland States have clearly defined jurisdictions, the Minister pointed out that enforcing BSEM text books in the neighbouring State is not a possibility and similarly Manipur Government cannot endorse learning of Nagaland-board prepared text-books in educational institutions of the State.

assuring security cover to all the schools opposed to the ANSAM campaign, Nandakumar also informed Government is prepared to make special arrangement and relax norms for those students desirous of continuing studies in Imphal-based schools.

When urged to confirm whether the Government is making any legal pursuit to prosecute those found to be enforcing the text-book diktats, he said any disruptive action detrimental to the interest of the students automatically deserve to be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

Clarifying that there is no question of State government imposing Meetei Mayek subject in the hill district schools, Nandakumar also cautioned that those schools found to be entertaining Nagaland-board text books would loss recognition.

maintaining that pursuing Manipuri language/Meetei Mayek script by tribal students is optional, he also refuted allegations levelled against the Government pertaining to distortion of historical facts and figures of the tribal community.

Pointing out that text-books illustrating tribal histories were prepared by subject experts composed of representatives of each tribes, Nandakumar suggested that in case any mistake had been detected the flaw could be rectified.

Regarding security measures in foiling text burning agitation, the Minister opined that DCs and SPs concerned need no formal intimations from the Government, as they are duty-bound to initiate all possible preventive steps in their own capacity.

To a question on talks with the agitating student and voluntary organisations, the Minister naively remarked what should be ground rule for the negotiation while appealing to all concerned to refrain from any activities that could harm normal academic atmosphere and aggravate the law and order situation.

opining that such an agitation would in no way strain neighbourly relationships between Manipur and Nagaland as the latter do not support activities carried out by politicians having ulterior motives the Minister also contended that the ongoing agitation is not embraced by majority of the hill district public.

Apart from the Manipur Govt firmly committed to deal with the text book issue, Nandakumar also conveyed that the CM had personally inform ed the matter to Central authorities.

Comment