Imphal, October 16 2009: Taking serious note of denial of formal education to students for a prolonged period because of the class boycott movement launched by AMSU, MSF and KSA, a public meeting has been conveyed on the issue by ATSUM and DESAM at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium on October 21 .

Speaking to media persons today, ATSUM president Joseph Hmar and DESAM president LC Santosh observed that the class boycott movement which seemed poised to continue till final examinations has the potential to sideline the right to education totally.

Saying that the movement of the Apunba Lup and the three student bodies are justified and that they support it, Joseph and Santosh clarified that they did not mean to overlook human rights and other political issues.

The scheduled public meeting was in accordance to the stance towards making education a free zone for the sake of the future pillars of the nation.

Inviting leaders of all communities, experts, intelligentsia and educationists to share their suggestions and opinions at the public meeting being organised to save education and students, Joseph Hmar and Santosh said they would work to enable students attend class in accordance to the resolutions that may be adopted by public at the meeting.

ATSUM and DESAM would come out to the streets to ensure re-opening of educational institutions.

If necessary, the two student bodies would face all obstacles in their efforts to re-open educational institutions in the interest of the student community.

Observing that normal classes have been continuing in hill districts as the Apunba Lup, AMSU, MSF and KSA have no capacity to enforce class boycott in these districts, Joseph and Santosh asked if the Government would annul the academic year of those students who have been attending regular classes.

They further asserted that it would not be morally correct to jeopardise the future of students of hill districts who have been studying at Imphal enduring severe economic hardships.

As it would not be acceptable to jeopardise the future career of students because of the battle against the 'dumb and blind Government', ATSUM and DESAM appealed to Board, Council and University to conduct exams.

It would not be in the fitness of things for student organisations to prevent students from attending classes by undertaking class boycott stir, they added.

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