Imphal: Three members of the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur were injured during clashes with police in Imphal on Tuesday. The confrontation followed a protest organized by the student group to demand an inquiry into alleged irregularities involving the procurement of paper for textbooks and examination materials.
Protesters gathered at the office of the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, claiming that a private firm provided substandard, non-watermarked paper for official printing. The group is calling for an investigation by the Commissioner of Education and requesting that the board blacklist the supplier.
Authorities initially dispersed a sit-in demonstration at the board office gates, which prompted the protesters to march toward the Imphal Police Station. Police used batons to break up the crowd after the marchers arrived, resulting in injuries to three volunteers, including one woman. The injured individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The situation stabilized later in the day following discussions between student representatives and the Superintendent of Police for Imphal West. DESAM president O. Romesh warned that the group is prepared to escalate its actions if the government fails to address their grievances. He stated, "The organisation would intensify its agitation if authorities failed to address concerns regarding the quality of examination and textbook printing materials."
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