Manipur: Schools reopen with thin attendance on first day; students, parents happy

After remaining shut for over a couple of months because of ethnic clashes, schools reopened across Manipur on Wednesday (July 5).

Though attendance in most institutes was extremely low on the first day, students, parents, and guardians welcomed the state government’s decision to restart classes.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh had on Monday (July 3) announced to reopen schools for classes 1 to 8 from July 5.

#WATCH | Manipur | A few schools in the state, including Little Flower School in Imphal and The Regular English High School in Kwakeithel, reopened today.

A few other schools have been exempted from reopening as they are presently involved in providing relief measures. pic.twitter.com/oLAXRkJsWL

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2023

Students happy to return to school

Most students with whom PTI interacted were very happy to get back to school.

Class 1 student Linthoi said, “I am very happy. Finally, after a two-month wait, I will be able to meet my friends and teachers. Moreover, I will learn new things.”

She said the shutting down of schools had made her life extremely idle and boring.

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Several students said the state government should take steps to ensure that schools remain open for at least a few hours daily even if the situation is tense.

Bhabesh Sharma, father of a class 4 student, hoped that the situation remains normal for classes to continue.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Education is key, and I sincerely hope that peace returns to the state,” he said.

Security concerns remain

He, however, added that students’ security remains his concern.

Laishram Ibochouba, parent of a class 5 boy, appreciated the government’s decision to resume classes.

“I hope the government takes safety measures for students in case of any untoward incident,” he said. “I am not scared to send my kids to school because the institute lies in the heart of Imphal. But it will be great if the government makes arrangements for safety of the students.”

Headmistress of Wangkhei High School RK Ranjita Devi welcomed the government’s move to resume classes.

“With schools remaining closed since the first week of May, most of the students couldn’t concentrate in their studies and their minds remained diverted,” Devi said.

She said attendance on the first day in her school was just around 10 per cent. “I am hopeful that it will increase in the days to come,” she added.

“We cannot neglect the future of students. This is the time they acquire new knowledge. Therefore, we should try our level best to continue with regular classes,” she said, adding that the school would take necessary steps for the security of students.

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She said no student would be allowed to go home if any violent incident occurs when classes are going on.

“We will allow students to go home only when their parents come to pick them up,” she added.

Devi said since there is a ban on internet, online classes are also not possible. “Due to internet ban, online classes are not possible. So in the interest of students, we will give assignments and homework during regular classes,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies)