Class 12 exams held peacefully at 111 centres across Manipur

Guwahati: Amid the continuing ethnic violence, the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM) on Wednesday conducted the Class 12 Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations peacefully.

In 111 centres across the state, 31,351 students, including 15,152 girls from 236 higher secondary schools, appeared for the exams. Last year, around 36,000 students had appeared for the examinations.

COHSEM chairman Takhellambam Ojit Singh said the exams are scheduled to end on March 23. Of the total number of centres, 36 are in the ten hill districts and 75 are in the six valley districts.


Singh while appealing to the candidates urged them to set aside the conflict issues and do their best in the examinations.

Owing to the substantial impact of the ethnic conflict, the council has cancelled three examination centres and moved their students to nearby safer sites, he said.

To ensure smooth conduct of the exam and curb unfair means, 70 flying squad teams have been arranged by the council, Singh said, adding that neutral persons, including flying squad members and invigilators, who are not members of the communities involved in the conflict, have been deployed at the centres that fall under the strife-hit zones.

Due to the ethnic crisis in Manipur, many students have opted to appear in exams from other states.

Meanwhile, the shutdown call given by a few women groups today was called off considering the exams and appeals by chief minister N Biren Singh and others.

The call was to protest the arrest of six people in connection with the mob violence and looting of arms from the security forces in Imphal East district on February 13.

The chief minister and education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh conveyed their best wishes to all the students appearing for the examinations. In a post on X, the CM said, "I extend my best wishes to all students appearing for the COHSEM exam. Your dedication and hard work will pave the way for a brighter future. Let's ensure a smooth conduct of exams by refraining from any actions that may disrupt the process."

Lawyers Hold Protest

Some lawyers protested today in front of the Cheirap court complex in Imphal West district to protest against the alleged excessive use of force on women protesters by security personnel there on Tuesday.