Manipur Government Shuts All Schools and Colleges Till August 22 Amid Unrest

The Manipur government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges and higher education institutions across the state from Thursday, August 20, to Saturday, August 22, amid a tense law-and-order situation. The decision affects educational institutions across the state and comes as tensions continue to rise over issues surrounding the census process and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The government said the temporary closure was necessary to maintain safety and prevent any escalation during the period.

According to an order issued by the Education Department on Wednesday, the shutdown covers schools affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education, Council of Higher Secondary Education, Central Board of Secondary Education and other recognised boards. Government, aided and unaided colleges and higher education institutions, including universities, have also been included in the order. The directive applies statewide and means students and teaching staff will remain away from campuses during the three-day closure.

The government cited the prevailing law-and-order situation as the reason for the decision. The order was issued by the Education Department after concerns over the possibility of disruptions linked to the ongoing protests and political tensions in the state. Officials have not indicated that the closure is connected to academic reasons. Instead, the measure is intended as a precautionary step while authorities assess the situation and work to prevent incidents that could affect students, teachers and other members of the public.

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The latest developments come against the backdrop of growing disagreement over the census process and demands related to the National Register of Citizens. Protests have intensified in parts of the state, with groups raising concerns over government processes and calling for greater scrutiny of issues linked to identification and citizenship. A campaign advocating what it describes as just and fair delimitation has also announced a boycott of government institutions, adding another layer of tension to the situation.

The closure is expected to affect regular classes, campus activities and other academic programmes scheduled between August 20 and 22. Students and parents have been advised to follow further announcements from the authorities and respective educational institutions regarding the resumption of classes. If the law-and-order situation improves as expected, institutions are likely to reopen after the period specified in the government order, although any extension would depend on the administration's assessment.

The decision highlights the continuing impact of the state's security and political situation on everyday life, including education. Schools and colleges have previously been affected when authorities have sought to prevent large gatherings or protect students during periods of unrest. For now, educational institutions across Manipur will remain shut through Saturday, with authorities closely monitoring developments surrounding the protests and related disputes before deciding on further measures.

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