Catholic students stage dharna in Manipur

IMPHAL, April 25: After burning their school text books yesterday students of Catholic School, Canchipur today began dharna at the school gate demanding resumption of classes which have been remaining closed for the past one month. Catholic Schools in the valley reported money demand served by a militant organisation. While Little Flower resumed classes yesterday others remained closed. Hundreds of Catholic School students were provoked yesterday when their school was still found locked up and they burnt their books in protest against it at the school gate. Students of class VIII to X in their school uniform began their sit-in-protest at the school opening time. The agitating students said this year's session began on March 14, but the school was shut down indefinitely with effect from April 10. They attended classes only 20 days although four months have passes away, the students complained. The students also expressed the apprehension that the impasse may ruin their academic career. They however, added that they have nothing against any militant organisation. "Our demand is to find a amicable solution and reopening of the classes to save careers of thousands of students", they said. The agitating students also displayed placards which read "Don't use us as weapon", "Think something for our future", "Help us", "Don't ruin our future", "Allow us attend classes", etc. the students are planning to stage the dharna everyday during school hours till the class is resume. Coming down heavily on the police crackdown on student protestors yesterday student said targeting students who are demanding reopening of classes in unjustified and not civilized manner. Meanwhile Little Flower School which reopened yesterday has reportedly declared summer vacation from tomorrow. The vacation will continue till May 10.