Academic activity in 64 government higher secondary schools across Manipur has come to a halt as 603 lecturers, appointed in 2018 and later regularised, continue their pen-down strike over pending salaries and confirmation of service.
The agitation, organised under the banner of the Lecturers’ Association Manipur (LAM), began on July 21 and was initially planned till July 26. However, the striking teachers announced an extension of the protest till August 2, citing what they called continued neglect by the authorities.
During Thursday’s sit-in protest at Ima Panthoibi Community Hall, Thangmeiband, Johnstone Higher Secondary School lecturer Phapha Gachui addressed the media, outlining the lecturers’ grievances:
“Under the banner of LAM, we, the 603 lecturers, commenced our first-phase pen-down strike from July 21 to 26, demanding completion of our regularisation process and service confirmation. But despite repeated appeals, the authorities have remained unresponsive. In light of this continued neglect, we were compelled to extend our strike until August 2 in our steadfast pursuit of justice,” she said.
“We are exhausted but resolute. We are going the extra mile, not out of defiance, but out of a firm belief that this is our right. We will continue our struggle until a concrete and amicable solution is brought to the table. We have collectively decided that we will not accept contractual salaries. Even if the authorities cannot acknowledge our hardships, we urge them to consider the well-being of our students who are caught in the crossfire of a crisis not of their making,” Gachui added.
She further expressed regret over the impact on students, saying the lecturers wish to return to classrooms but cannot survive without resolution of their demands.
The striking teachers allege that some protest leaders have been transferred as a pressure tactic. Meanwhile, students and parents have called on the government to resolve the issue quickly to prevent further academic disruptions.
