Churachandpur Students Struggle as Exam Hurdles Mount Amid Conflict

In the violence-ravaged Churachandpur district, government job aspirants are grappling with major hurdles as examination centers become inaccessible. The ethnic conflict in Manipur, ongoing since May 3, has forced these aspirants to travel vast distances outside the state for exams like SSC, NDA, NEET, UPSC, and UGC-NTA, leading to substantial academic and financial setbacks, according to student leaders.

Imphal, a nearby exam center just 62 kilometers away, remains out of reach due to persistent unrest and travel restrictions. Consequently, students have embarked on journeys to Aizawl, Guwahati, or Agartala, facing steep travel costs and severe physical and mental strain. "Travelling nearly 300 kilometers through rugged terrain has drained us financially and physically," expressed Tiffany Ngaineilam Simte, a hopeful government job candidate. "Many deserving peers missed vital exams due to unaffordable travel."

Coaching centers like ULTIMATE and welfare bodies such as Siamsinpawlpi (SSPP) have provided considerable support, yet logistical and emotional tolls persist. "Despite these obstacles, our students remain resolute," remarked Papau, a local coordinator, commending their steadfastness. Students like Chingngaihkim and Rebecca Vahneilhing Mate shared their ordeals, citing the lack of accommodation, unfamiliar exam settings, and taxing journeys that adversely impacted their performances.

Ginmuan, a teacher at Ultimate Coaching Centre, highlighted the critical situation: "Since the conflict began, access to Imphal exam centers has ceased. Students are rerouted to Agartala or Guwahati, exacerbating financial and psychological burdens." Samuel Taithul, president of the Zomi Students Federation (ZSF), further commented, "Our students face not only financial hardships but also genuine competitive disadvantages."

The ZSF is intensifying efforts to persuade authorities to establish an exam center in Churachandpur, a measure students argue is overdue and vital for achieving academic equity.

(With inputs from agencies.)