Ukhrul, Oct 12: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has submitted a representation to the Chairman of the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC), urging the establishment of examination centres in the headquarters of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul districts.
In its letter dated October 10, 2025, ANSAM pointed out the “significant challenges” faced by aspirants from the hill districts in appearing for MPSC examinations, which are currently conducted only in valley-based centres. The association said the lack of examination centres in the hill districts has caused “decades of neglect and injustice,” describing the demand as one “rooted in justice, equality, constitutional rights, and human dignity.”
Editorial | NH-201(A): When a Road Becomes a Mirror of Our Development
According to the representation, candidates from the hill districts face multiple hardships including financial constraints, long travel distances, safety concerns amid ongoing ethnic tensions, and logistical hurdles that impact their exam performance. “To deny local centres is to deliberately cripple their aspirations and reduce them to inferior citizens in their own land,” the memorandum stated.
ANSAM asserted that the current system amounts to “systematic discrimination” and places hill aspirants at a “distinct disadvantage,” limiting their opportunity to compete fairly. Citing constitutional provisions, the association referred to Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 21A (right to education), claiming that the continued exclusion of hill districts from examination centres violates these rights.
The student body has placed three specific demands before the MPSC:
- Establishment of MPSC examination centres in the district headquarters of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul.
- Provision of adequate and impartial security arrangements in collaboration with local civil authorities.
- Adoption of a permanent policy to ensure equal opportunities for hill district aspirants in future examinations.
Also read | GPRN Issues Arrest Warrant Against Deputy Kilonser Hekugha Chophy
Emphasising that equality and inclusion are not optional, ANSAM stated, “Justice for all the aspirants is a genuine request. Equality is not optional. Inclusion is not charity. It is a right, and it must be delivered without delay.”
ANSAM further urged the Commission to treat the matter with urgency and take immediate steps to ensure fairness and equitable access for students from all regions of Manipur.