Imphal, May 22: Although the existing condition of the schools in the hill districts of Manipur are generally said to be deplorable, many students from the bordering villages of neighbouring country, Myanmar are coming to study at various schools of Ukhrul district even if they have to walk 20 kms on foot every day in quest of knowledge.

During a recent visit to the remote Poi village of Ukhrul district, The Sangai Express came across many Myanmarese students coming from beyond the border to study at the schools of Ukhrul district.

Eight-year old Jolla is a young boy from Ngachan village of Myanmar.

He has been staying at Poi village for the past one year to study.

He is now studying in class I in a private school there.

He can speak Tangkhul very fluently but has not picked up Manipuri language.

Talking to The Sangai Express with the help of headman of Poi AS Patrick, Jolla said he wants to stay and study at Poi and does not want to go back to his native village in Myanmar, where there is no facility for education.

When asked whether Myanmarese Army came to his village, Jolla promptly replied, 'Kabo Siphai come every now and then'.

A senior IAS officer of the State Government disclosed there had been an instance in the past when people of some of the neighbouring villages of Myanmar requested the Government of Manipur for paying the house taxes and to merge with Manipur instead of being a part of Myanmar.

During the course of conversation with the headman of Poi village, it was learnt that atleast 10 to 20 Myanmarese students have been coming to study at Poi Junior High School every year.

They either come walking on foot everyday or put up in rented rooms or with some acquaintances.

Around 300 students are studying in Poi Junior High School, and there are only two Government teachers including the Headmaster posted at the said Junior High School.

In order to educate the students, the monthly rice share of the School under the Mid-Day Scheme is sold off and six teachers are hired by paying them Rs 1200 per month as salary.

Some amount from the developmental schemes of the village are also deducted in paying the salary of the hired teachers in case Mid-day rice does not reach in time.

Patrick further informed that the villagers are very concerned about the education of their children, and so there is a sort of competition among the villagers in taking care of the teachers posted in the village.

Unfortunately, not even a single graduate teachers who were given appointment by the Govt have been posted at Poi Junior High School, the headman rued.

While informing that the existing wooden bridge over Challou river passing through the village is in dilapidated condition, the headman also urged the State Government for construction of a new bridge.

Among other problems being faced by the people of this remote village, one serious problem is that of health care.

It was conveyed that many of the villagers irrespective of their age group are suffering from stone cases.

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