The Class 10 exams, administered by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM) commenced on Friday, 15th March, 2024, amidst a 48-hour general strike initiated by 13 various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) led by the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS). This strike was in protest against the reported arrest of three militant leaders by the NIA.
A total of 37,715 students are taking the exams at 154 centers across the state. Among these, 27,281 students belong to private institutions, while 9,119 are from government schools, and 1,315 others are from aided schools. Beforehand, Akham Joykumar Singh, the chairman of BOSEM, stated that his board had already designated 25 inspection teams, consisting of both government officials and representatives from private institutions in the valley, to conduct inspections at those centers.
Additionally, he mentioned that authorities have enforced CrPC Section 144 in and around the centers to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations.
The examinations will continue until 8th of April, 2024.
On another note, normal life in Manipur was significantly disrupted on Friday due to a 48-hour general strike organized by various civil society organizations. This strike was in response to the arrest of three militant leaders affiliated with the UNLF (P), which is currently engaged in a ceasefire with the Centre in preparation for formal peace talks.
It led to the closure of nearly all commercial establishments and markets, with only a few private vehicles seen on the roads. Nevertheless, students taking examinations along with their families and guardians, as well as the media, medical personnel, and emergency services, were exempted from the strike.
