Schools, colleges in Manipur to reopen from today after 13-day gap amid violence

The closure of educational institutions began on November 16, when violence erupted after a gunfight between security forces and suspected Kuki-Zo militants in Jiribam. 

In Short

• Educational institutions orders shut on November 16
• Prohibitory orders remain; no confirmation on curfew relaxation
• Internet shutdown ordered in nine districts after reports of fresh violence

Schools and colleges in Manipur's Imphal Valley districts and Jiribam will resume classes from November 29, following a 13-day shutdown due to violence in the region.

The state government announced the reopening after prolonged disruptions caused by ethnic tensions and the discovery of six bodies, including three women and three children, which heightened unrest.

The Directorate of Education issued an order stating that normal classes would resume in all government, government-aided, private, and central schools in the affected districts.

Similarly, the Higher and Technical Education Department announced that government-aided colleges and state universities would reopen starting Friday.

The closure of educational institutions began on November 16, when violence erupted after a gunfight between security forces and suspected Kuki-Zo militants in Jiribam.

The clash left 10 militants dead and led to the disappearance of six individuals from a relief camp. Days later, their bodies were found in the Jiri and Barak rivers in Manipur and Assam, further intensifying the volatile situation.

Prohibitory orders, which were imposed across the Imphal Valley districts and Jiribam to curb violence, remain in place. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the curfew will be relaxed once schools and colleges reopen.

The unrest has also led to the suspension of mobile internet and data services in nine districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Jiribam, and Pherzawl.

Since May 2023, Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence between the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki-Zo groups in the hills.

Over 250 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced in the ongoing conflict. Recent incidents saw mobs targeting the homes and properties of political leaders in Imphal East and Imphal West, escalating tensions further. Police have arrested 41 individuals in connection with the latest incidents of unrest.