Imphal 14th May: Normal class resumes at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Sugnu, Chandel district in Manipur. The second oldest  catholic in Manipur had been since miscreants torch the school on the night of 25th April, completely destroying ten classroom blocks and the principal’s office. 

Following the arson attack on the school,  a joint action committee against the arson attack shut down the catholic school indefinitely demanding the culprits booked and punished. Recently the education minister on a visit to the ill fated school assured speedy action in delivering justice to the agitating joint action committee. 

The school was officially reopen on Monday in the presence of deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and the sub divisional officer of the district.

Speaking to this reporter today, vice principal of the school, Father Kanta informed that normal classes resumed in the school but some classes  are being conducted  in the school auditoriums and school boarding room as the damages suffered in the arson are yet to fully renovated.

“ Teachers and staff were seen sitting under the shade of the tree during their off period as their room was also gutted by the fire,” the vice principal informed. He further added that it has been a hard time for everyone in the school but they are continuing their own roles and responsibilities with full spirit.”

I am very happy that our classes have resumed finally. At first when the school was burnt I was feeling sad as I was uncertain whether the school will ever reopen,” said a student of the school.

Another student said,” We will have to work hard and make up for the classes we’ve missed, “ Incidentally,  the arson attack followed after six senior girl students were suspended and the Kuki Students’ Organization,  KSO, took up the side of the 6 students and demanded the school authorities to squash the disciplinary action. 

Swinging into action following the arson,  police arrested three student leaders of the KSO, local unit and  after filing a FIR,  processes are on to file charge sheet  in the case.  Meanwhile the Manipur High Court has rejected a bail petitions of the arrested student leaders.

While the case is pending with the Court, the reopening of the school has at least brought a sigh of relief for the students, parents, teachers and public in general.