CM Ibobi appeals to Apunba Lup for talks
Disrupting study means breaking backbone of society: CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 30 2009: "It is like breaking the backbone of our future" said Chief Minister, O Ibobi today while appealing to all concerned to stop using education sector as a tool to achieve their demands, and urged the agitating student bodies to withdraw the stand of class boycott.

He also appealed to the agitators (Apunba Lup) to have a dialogue with the government over the burning issues.

The Chief Minister said that he has received reports that some unknown armed persons were instigating the student bodies to continue the class boycott agitation and also probably arming some of the student volunteers of the bodies.

He has come to know that bullets were distributed to some schools which are supposed to have violated the call, rather diktat for class boycott.

The Chief Minister, however did not elaborate.

Delivering his speech as chief guest at the concluding function of the 2nd School Meet-2009, Chief Minister O Ibobi further termed the July 23 shooting incident as "very unfortunate" and reiterated the government's decision not to spare any one who is found to be guilty in the incident.

He explained that a commission of inquiry has already started inquiring into the unfortunate incident, and the truth will be found out.

He said, school is the temple of learning.

Even during the time of war, both the warring groups try their best not to give any disturbance in schools, hospitals, temples and churches.

Chief Minister O Ibobi hands over the flag of School Meet to an official for safe keeping for next year's meet ; MOA president and MLA Bijoy Koijam is seen watching

For instance, during the time of World War II, there was an understanding among the warring rival countries not to touch these institutions under any circumstances, he said.

Chief Minister Ibobi lamented that disrupting students' academic career for a long time is quite unfortunate.

This agitation will cause irreparable damage to the society which amounts to breaking the backbone of the society.

Considering the future of the society, most importantly the future of the children, the Chief Minister appealed to the agitating student bodies to withdraw the class boycott stir, and allow the students to attend classes as usual, so that their academic atmosphere is not spoiled.

It is a well known fact that education is the backbone of the society.

Knowing this, parents, guardians and even the government give top priority in imparting education to the children, the Chief Minister said, and explained some of the steps taken up by the government for improving the education system in the state.

Conversion of Manipur University into Central University, establishment of Indira Gandhi Tribal University and National Institute of Technology (NIT) are some of the steps being taken up by the government, the Chief Minister said.

There is also possibility of starting the session of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science is likely to commence from next year, Ibobi said adding that the state government is making concerted efforts to develop all the required infrastructure before the commencement of the session.

One polytechnic will be set up in each of the nine districts of the state, he said.

Reiterating his appeal to the student bodies to withdraw the class boycott move, Ibobi went on to say that government is at its best to deliver justice to the people on the "unfortunate" July 23 shooting incident.

Police personnel allegedly involved in the incident have been placed under suspension.

The demand of termination of the police personnel from their service before finding the truth will not be a fare one.

It should be done under the law.

Above this, when government terminate them, they may go to law court which would compel the government to return the termination order, he said.

Government had returned its decision to conduct a magisterial inquiry with the issue of judicial inquiry order as desire by a group of agitating people.

Government had always opened its option to the people as it committed to find the truth behind the incident.

Government want transparency and no stone will left unturned to find the truth behind the incident.

He himself had even suggested for CBI enquiry if necessary, the chief minister but as desire by the people, government had order judicial probe into the incident.

People should share their opinion and co-operate in the judicial inquiry so that truth can be find out and deliver justice of the incident.

Government will take up appropriate action to those found guilty during the inquiry.

"I assure you that government will not delay in awarding befitting punishment to those guilty within a time bound period," Ibobi said asking the people not to give hindrance in the judicial inquiry by boycotting it.

He also appealed to the agitating group to come to talk on the table and sorted out all the difference for ending the present chaotic situation.

The concluding function of the 2nd School Meet 2009 organised by the state department of school education was presided over by the state works minister, K Ranjit.

Speaking on the occasion, he termed which students of different across the state converged and participated in multi-discipline event as 'rare occasion' which should not be missed by students.

During the five day long meet, apart from competition in various disciplines of sports, literature and art and culture, interaction programmes with state IAS and MCS officers posting at different department were also held.

Nine contingents one each of the nine districts of the state totaling 777 students including 297 girls participated in the event which was held at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

The closing function was also attended by MLA, Bijoy Koijam, state chief secretary, DS Poonia and officials of the state education department.