The Manipur government has postponed its decision to reopen schools and colleges in Imphal Valley and Jiribam district on Monday amid ongoing violence, officials stated. Educational institutions in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Jiribam had been closed for about a week due to prohibitory orders issued after fresh unrest in the state, they said, news agency PTI reported.
In a new directive issued late Sunday, the Directorate of Education - Schools stated, "The school reopening order... dated November 24 regarding resumption of normal classes for all schools of the state, government, government aided, private and central schools, is hereby cancelled and all schools of valley districts will continue to remain closed on 25th and 26th of November."
Further officials said that a similar order was issued for colleges as well. Separately, prohibitory orders in the Valley have been relaxed from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. to allow residents to purchase essential items, according to notifications from the administrations of the five affected districts.
7 More Arrested In Manipur For Arson At Legislators' Residences
Another official statement issued on Sunday confirmed that the state Police arrested seven more people for causing damage and engaging in arson at the residences of legislators in Imphal Valley on November 16. The arrests were made in the last two days.
The arrests were made over the past two days, with three suspects detained in Kakching district on Friday and four more arrested in Imphal West on Saturday, the statement said.
This brings the total number of arrests related to the attacks on the homes of elected representatives to 41, the police added.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, addressing the issue on Friday, said suspects involved in looting and damaging the properties of ministers and MLAs during the November 16 protests had been identified, and legal action was underway.
"In the name of the democratic movement, some gangs have looted and burnt the residences of ministers and MLAs. Suspects have been identified through CCTV and appropriate legal actions have been initiated. I feel ashamed to publicly to say that such things are happening in Manipur," Singh told PTI.