Manipur school set ablaze after disciplinary action against six students

The incident occurred a few days after authorities of St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School suspended six of its students for indiscipline.

A school was set afire by miscreants on Thursday night in Sugnu area of Kakching district in Manipur. Photo: ANI

NEW DELHI: A school was set afire by miscreants on Thursday night in Sugnu area of Kakching district in Manipur. The incident occurred a few days after authorities of St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School suspended six of its students for indiscipline. The school authorities suspect the role of the students it took action against in the crime. ANI quoted school principal Rev Fr Dominic as saying that at least 10 rooms were gutted in the arson. "A total of 10 rooms have been destroyed, two of them had important documents, files and equipment," he said. The Principal said that the school had initiated disciplinary action on six students a week ago but were allowed to attend classes. "We have been discussing that the cause of the burning down could be a negotiation with a local student organisation as they did not like the correctional measure we had taken against some students. They wanted the punishment quashed," he said. The Principal said one of the reprimanded students took to social media to allegedly post abusive content about the school and the class teacher. Meanwhile, Manipur Minister Letpao Haokip said he will help in the reconstruction of school and those involved in the crime will be punished. "This is an act of extremists. A students’ organisation is burning down a school. I condemn the act. Whoever is involved in this act will be booked and punished. I will help in the reconstruction of school so that students do not lose an academic year," he said. Police were informed about the incident and a case was also registered. According to a report in the Indian Express, two executive members of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Gunpi block were arrested in connection with the incident on Friday. However, their involvement in the crime is yet to be confirmed. Further investigation to nab other accused is underway.