Imphal: Teachers assigned as census enumerators and supervisors are trapped between state mandates and aggressive local opposition. Tension is rising. Several staff members spoke to Imphal Times under the condition of anonymity, fearing professional and personal fallout from the mounting dispute.
Protests hit educational sites hard today. Student activists rallied at Moirang College to block the census work. This follows an earlier disruption at SK College, where agitators interfered with training sessions and reportedly caused property damage. Police moved in at 10 am today, arresting several JFD members to curb the unrest.
The district administration is playing hardball. Officials warned staff that skipping assigned duties triggers penal action under the Census Act. Meanwhile, JFD activists are telling workers to quit the program or face the consequences. This puts employees in a bind. They have no say in government policy but feel the brunt of the backlash.
One teacher explained the impossible position: “We are government employees assigned a duty. We did not decide that this exercise should be conducted.” Employees argue that targeting them is the wrong approach. They insist that critics should take their grievances directly to the government decision-makers instead of harassing frontline workers.
Staff members are now demanding state protection. Another teacher stated, “If the government insists that the exercise must proceed, it should also ensure the safety and protection of those assigned to implement it.” Many workers worry about being punished for failing to complete tasks that are physically blocked by protesters. They claim they cannot be held liable for circumstances beyond their control. For now, teachers remain in the line of fire as the standoff between the state and protesters deepens.
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