Prolonged unrest threatens future of students in Manipur

Sir,
Through your esteemed daily, I, as a concerned student of Journalism and Mass Communication want to highlight the severe impact of the ongoing unrest in Manipur on the region's educational system.
Schools and universities across the State have been highly disrupted, completely halting academic continuity for thousands of students. This disruption not only threatens the future of these students but also widens the educational divide between conflict-affected areas and the rest of the country.
The immediate implications are particularly troubling. With internet shutdowns in place, students cannot attend traditional classes or online alternatives, causing significant setbacks. Lessons are missed, academic timelines are postponed, exams are delayed, and students lose out on critical learning moments. Over time, this disruption may lead to a spike in dropout rates as students turn to alternative livelihoods, especially in the face of economic difficulties.
The long-term effects of this educational pause could be catastrophic, potentially leading to increased unemployment, poverty, and social unrest in the years ahead. This crisis is an opportunity for authorities to reflect on how our education system can become more resilient to such challenges.
Investment in psychological support systems is crucial to help both teachers and students cope with the trauma and stress that these crises bring, which significantly impacts their learning abilities.
Education must remain a top priority, even during times of political and social instability, to ensure that students’ academic journeys are not compromised. This is a collective responsibility, and we must work to safeguard the future of our youth in Manipur and beyond.

Yours faithfully,

Khundom Roshila,
Student of MA, JMC,
Royal Global University, Guwahati.