Students protesting over delayed scholarships face police’s tear gas, mock bombs

Imphal: A large number of students attempted to storm the secretariat office, here on Friday, demanding to release of Scheduled Tribe students scholarships.

Police dispersed the agitation using tear gas shells and mock bombs at the city area which was approximately 100 meters from the main gate of Raj Bhavan.

The protesting students gathered near the gate of GP Women’s College, about 200 meters south of the Raj Bhavan main gate.

When the students began marching toward the secretariat office to meet the concerned authorities, Manipur Police and CRPF personnel intercepted them.

As tensions escalated, the police fired around tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the agitators.

A student, Gaikhangning Panmei, told reporters that approximately 32,000 Scheduled Tribe students had not received their monthly scholarships for the last 3-4 months for the academic year 2023–2024.

He said the scholarships were supposed to be disbursed by October have been delayed.

The additional director of Tribal Affairs and Hills arrived at the scene and engaged in negotiations with the protesting students.

Letpao Haokip is the present Tribal Affairs and Hills minister of Manipur. He was among 10 Kuki MLAs demanding for a Seperate Administration.