Manipur Government Closes Educational Institutions Till November 19 Amid Escalating Ethnic Violence

The Manipur government on Monday announced that all state-run educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities in Imphal West and Imphal East districts, would remain closed until Tuesday. This decision came after consultations between the state’s education and home departments, in light of the ongoing curfew and security concerns. The closure affects educational institutions in the two districts where curfew measures have been enforced due to escalating ethnic tensions.

“In view of the curfew imposed by the District Magistrate in many of the Districts and considering the safety of the students and teachers, it is hereby ordered that all Government Institutions/Government Aided Colleges under the Higher & Technical Education Department, Government of Manipur, including State Universities in the Districts where curfew has been imposed, shall remain closed for 2 (two) days w.e.f November 18 to November 19,” the government stated in a formal order issued by the Higher and Technical Education Department.

As part of the security response, the Biren Singh-led BJP government also suspended internet services across seven districts of the state. Additional security forces have been deployed, and vehicle movement has been restricted, particularly near sensitive locations such as the chief minister’s residence and the Raj Bhavan.

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation of three key cases related to the recent ethnic violence that has plagued the state. The violence, which has led to numerous casualties and widespread disruption, prompted the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to step in.

The first of these cases, registered on November 8 at Jiribam Police Station, involves the murder of a woman by armed militants. The second case, registered on November 11 at Borobekra Police Station, concerns an attack by militants on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post in Jiribam’s Jakuradhor Karong. The third case, also from November 11, involves the burning of homes and the killing of civilians in the Borobekra area.

Manipur continues to grapple with severe unrest. Since May 2023, Manipur has been engulfed in violent clashes, and the situation has remained volatile in recent months. The situation in Manipur worsened after the discovery of six dead bodies, further intensifying unrest in the region.