DESAM discussion on closure of Catholic schools

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

IMPHAL,  April 6: Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) organised a one day open discussion on Monday on the prevailing indefinite closure of the Catholic schools by  the KCP(MC) without furnishing any reasons. Since the closure is indefinite the fate of thousands of students is uncertain. The open discussion was held at the Manipur Dramatic Union, Yaiskul, Imphal.

Functiories of the Catholic Educatiol Society, teachers, students, guardians and other student representatives were present in the discussion. The DESAM president Moirangthem Angamba said that the non state actors in Manipur have been disturbing the educatiol institutes in the state. Organisors of blockades and strikes have been using the institutes as their weapons. They never think about the victimization of the students and daily wage earners.

Since the blockades and strikes are unreasoble these had never been successful in the state. From January till date there have been over 30 blockades and strikes in Manipur. These disruptions are vitiating the academic atmosphere. There are threats to the education sector in furtherance of certain demands.

He further said that the KCP(MC) has been closing down the Catholic schools on the ground that these schools had not paid heed to its demand to reserve 50% of the seats for the weaker and disadvantaged sections. There is no demand in this regard to the Catholic schools except some reports in the local media. It is a wrong step to victimize the students.

DESAM is appealing to one and all not to disrupt the educatiol institutes including the van services of the students. Besides the demands of the KCP(MC) should be made public. The government should arrange an understanding so that the schools are opened from tomorrow.

The discussion also adopted some resolutions. An appeal will be made to the KCP(MC) to lift the ban An appeal is also made to the government to take up suitable actions so that the schools are opened from tomorrow. If no concrete actions are seen agitations will be launched against the authorities.