This article explores how the ethnic violence in Manipur, a state in northeast India, has affected the education system and the student’s life. It lists five ways how the violence has disrupted, damaged and traumatized the schools, education system and the students.
What is the violence in Manipur?
Manipur is a state in northeast India that has witnessed ethnic clashes between the Kuki tribe and the Meitei community since May 3, 2023. In the heartland of Manipur, where tranquility should nurture the young minds, the venomous tendrils of violence have woven a dark tapestry, casting its malevolent shadow upon the realm of education. The violence was triggered by a court suggestion to extend special privileges granted to the Kukis, who live in the hills, to the Meiteis, who dominate the lowlands. The clashes have killed nearly 120 people and displaced more than 40,000.
How has the violence affected schools?
The violence has severely disrupted the education system in Manipur, affecting thousands of students, teachers and staff. Education is a fundamental right and no country can survive without it. It is essential for the development of human potential, social cohesion and peace. However, the violence has jeopardized the right to education and the future of the students in Manipur.
Here are five ways how:
1. Schools remained shut for two months
The state government had extended the summer vacation for schools till July 4, 2023, due to the prevailing law and order situation. Out of 4,617 schools in the state, 96 were being used for relief measures and other purposes. As a result, students missed out on their academic activities and social interactions for more than two months.
2. Schools reopened with low attendance
The state government ordered schools to reopen from July 5, 2023, for classes 1 to 8 in a bid to restore normalcy. However, only a few private schools opened and most government-run schools remained shut as students, teachers and staff did not show up due to fear and insecurity. According to officials, only 40% of students were in attendance on an average on the first day of resumption of classes.
3. Schools were burned and damaged
Some schools were targeted by the warring factions during the violence and were burned or damaged. For instance, Mount Olive School at Kangvai bazar in Churachandpur district was reduced to ashes during the clashes in May. The school had over 1,000 students from both Kuki and Meitei communities. Many parents are now wary of sending their children to school as they fear for their safety.
4. Schools faced shortage of resources
The schools that reopened faced challenges in providing adequate resources for the students, especially those who were displaced by the violence and staying at relief camps. The state education department and Samagra Shiksha, a central government scheme, distributed textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, sports items and uniforms to the displaced children. However, these were not enough to meet the demand and some students had to share books or use old ones.
5. Schools struggled to cope with trauma
The violence has left a deep impact on the mental health of the students who witnessed or experienced it. Many students are traumatized by the loss of their homes, friends or relatives and are unable to focus on their studies. Some schools have tried to provide counselling and psychosocial support to the students, but they lack trained professionals and facilities. Some students have also developed fear or hatred towards the other community and need help to overcome it.
About the Author
Rusen Kumar, the Founder and Managing Editor of India CSR, is a highly accomplished and seasoned media person and social thought leader in India. He was recently honored as a Social Impact Leader by ASSOCHAM.
(Copy Right @ India CSR)
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References
[1]: Schools reopen in violence-hit Manipur, but attendance remains low
[2]: Manipur: Scarred by ethnic violence, parents wary of sending kids to school
[3]: Manipur unrest: Schools reopen in Imphal after 2 months; witness 40% attendance
[4]: Manipur violence: 4,521 schools resume classes after two months
[5]: Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
