KSO arranges travel for students in Manipur
Discover a heartwarming story of solidarity and education in Manipur, where the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Churachandpur stepped up to assist SSC CGL 2024 candidates after the sudden cancellation of exam centres.
While Manipur has recently made headlines for the distressing ethnic violence, a beacon of hope and humanity emerges from the state, one that reflects its unwavering dedication to education. This uplifting story, originally reported by Douminlien Haokip for EastMojo, highlights how the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) in Churachandpur has stepped up to assist local SSC CGL 2024 candidates, following the sudden cancellation of examination centres in Churachandpur and Ukhrul.
Imagine the scene—students, who had spent months preparing for their Tier-I exams, now faced with the prospect of travelling over 330 kilometres to Aizawl. A journey of such distance would already be challenging in the best of circumstances, but with the current weather playing spoilsport and travel costs mounting, it became a monumental burden, particularly for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
However, in true community spirit, KSO Churachandpur rose to the occasion. They weren’t about to let their local candidates face such adversity alone. The first batch of 122 students was seen off this very morning, embarking on their long journey in 13 vehicles arranged by the organisation. The flag-off, conducted by KSO President T. Letminlen Haokip at the KSO complex in Tuibong, was a moment charged with hope. As these students set off, it wasn’t just their academic futures riding with them, but the goodwill and support of an entire community.
“The last-minute cancellation left many of our students in a real pickle,” said M. Seikhogin Haokip, Education Secretary of KSO Churachandpur. “As the main student body, we took it upon ourselves to ease both the financial and logistical strain these candidates were facing.” as reported in eastmojo.com . And they have certainly risen to the challenge, receiving a staggering 855 applications for travel assistance. With the first batch now on their way, KSO has pledged to continue making arrangements for the remaining students, ensuring that everyone gets their fair crack at the exams.
In the midst of this, several student bodies, including the Zomi Students’ Federation and Tangkhul Katamnao Long, have united in appealing to the authorities to reinstate local examination centres. Even Outer Manipur MP Alfred Kanngam Arthur has added his voice to the call, urging the SSC head office to reconsider the decision.
The crux of the problem stems from the SSC North Eastern Region’s (NER) decision to cancel these centres, citing law and order concerns. Yet, many have found this reasoning baffling, especially considering that the Imphal centre, which faces similar challenges, remains operational. It begs the question, why should students from Churachandpur and Ukhrul bear the brunt?
What shines through this story, however, isn’t just the logistical hiccup, but the profound sense of solidarity and commitment to education. In a state bruised by violence, this is a story that showcases the very best of its people—their resilience, their unity, and above all, their steadfast belief in the transformative power of education.
At a time when the students of Manipur might have been feeling a tad hard done by, the KSO and their supporters have shown that, come rain or shine, they will ensure the next generation has every opportunity to succeed. As the first batch of students embarks on their journey, it’s not just their exam papers they’re carrying—it’s the collective hope of their entire community.
Now, one can only hope that the authorities will see sense and put a plan in place that doesn’t require such heroic efforts from student bodies. After all, education should be accessible, not a Herculean task, especially for those already facing so many challenges. But until then, the students of Churachandpur and Ukhrul can take comfort in knowing they’re not alone, and that when the going gets tough, their community is right behind them.
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