The Hindu : National : Seven schools set afire in Manipur

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Thursday, Jul 05, 2007
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Seven schools set afire in Manipur

Security stepped up in the State

Imphal: Seven government higher secondary schools in three hill districts of Manipur were set on fire on Wednesday, prompting the authorities to beef up security measures in the State.

Official sources said major portions of the three government schools in Senapati district and two in Chandel and Ukhrul districts were gutted in the fire by unidentified persons.

The motive behind the incident or the identity of the miscreants was not immediately known, official reports said adding that no individual or group has claimed responsibility so far.

Activists of a hill-based students’ organisation which wanted affiliation of schools in Manipur hill districts to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education were suspected to be behind the incidents.

Security measures and patrolling were intensified in Tamenglong hill district following apprehensions that similar attempts would be made .

CM’s appeal

Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh and Education Minister L. Jayantakumar Singh have appealed to the people not to launch any violent agitation but to protect the educational institutions in the interest of the students’ community.

Adequate security measures would be taken at all vulnerable places , the sources said. —PTI

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