UKHRUL: Students in Sinakeithei on Thursday staged a protest against continued attacks on the village over the past two months, allegedly by Kuki militants, saying the violence has begun to overshadow their education.
“We hear more gunfire than the school bells,” a student said during the protest held around 10 am.
Students from three schools took part in the demonstration. Those in green uniforms were from Model English School, Sinakeithei. Students in blue polo shirts represented Sinakeithei Chingshang High School and Council Primary School, while others in blue uniforms were from Chi-Ching MK Academy.
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Headmistress of Sinakeithei Primary School, Bernice Z. N. Rungsung, described the situation in the village as “horrifying,” drawing attention to what she called the authorities’ failure to adequately respond to the prevailing conditions.
“Every day, parents entrust us with their most precious children. Our primary duty is to ensure their safety while they learn,” she said. “We are unable to fulfil this responsibility as the village continues to come under attack by Kuki militants from the surrounding hill ranges.”
Rungsung said school enrolment has dropped from 150 to 138 amid the ongoing violence. She added that the continued attacks have effectively deprived students of their right to education.
“What was once a neutral zone has today become a battlefield,” she said.
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The protest remained peaceful, with students highlighting fear, disrupted classes, and growing uncertainty as violence persists in and around the village.