Imphal, July 11 (ANI): Several academicians and intellectuals related to school of Manipur are concerned over incidents of educational institutes being targeted by militants.

The issue was highlighted recently when a number of academicians held a meet to discuss the problem and find out solution to the problem. It was decided that steps must be taken to ensure immediate restoration of peaceful academic atmosphere in the state.

Organised by the Observation Committee on Free Education Zone, an academic discussion on making education a “free zone” was held at CC Higher Secondary School, Sanjenthong in Imphal.

This was a follow up to the mass rally held last year on July 5 that demanded that militants should not disrupt the functioning of educational institutes.

Academic environment in the State has been disturbed by incidents such as murders, kidnapping and extortion demands that have been made on schools and teachers.

The participants at the meet appealed to the militants to make education a free zone in order to allow the educational sector of the state to flourish.

“This is the need of the hour to protest against the disturbances caused by militant groups. Only by that we can bring education in a proper condition in Manipur, ” said M. Joykumar Singh, co-convenor.

“Free means no disturbances. It is very important. Nowadays only education can bring prosperity to the country. Civilization can be brought by education. Education is very important and because of that we are observing this day in order to make education undisturbed and free,” said T. B. SINGH, a teacher, Manipur.

Every year thousands of students head for other parts of the country to pursue studies because of the atmosphere of uncertainty that prevails in state.

The meet also resolved to frame an appropriate education policy for the state and urged the militants to immediately end extortion and play a positive role in improving the situation in the state. (ANI)