20% present in Manipur schools

Classes in schools resumed on Wednesday after more than two months since the violence erupted in Manipur. On Wednesday, 4,521 schools held classes from std 1 to std 8. According to officials, an average attendance of only 20% was reported. Schools in violence-torn Churachandpur and Kangpokpi remained closed.

Around 96 schools have remained closed as relief camps for the displaced people have been set up on their premises. The highest number of such schools are in Churachandpur district at 41, followed by 17 in Bishnupur; 10 in Kakching; eight each in Kangpokpi and Imphal East; four each in Ukhrul and Tengnoupal; and two each in Imphal West and Thoubal.

Chief minister N Biren Singh said classes 9-12 will resume once the construction of prefabricated houses for the displaced people are completed. The Manipur government had earlier decided to reopen the schools on June 21 and July 1, but could not as violent incidents continued to happen.


Over 50,000 people are taking shelter in over 350 relief camps across the state after the ethnic violence broke out. The conflict has so far killed 150 people and injured over 500 others, while a large number of properties, including houses, shops and vehicles, have been destroyed.