Imphal, July 23: Academic activities in government higher secondary schools across Manipur remained severely affected for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as over 600 contractual teachers continued their pen-down strike, demanding regularisation of their services and timely payment of salaries.
The ongoing six-day strike, launched on Monday, is being spearheaded by the Lecturers’ Association Manipur (2018 batch). The teachers are pressing the state government to implement a cabinet decision from January 2022 that approved the regularisation of their posts and an April 2023 directive for regular salary disbursement—both of which they claim have yet to be acted upon.
“We have fulfilled all our responsibilities, including election duties, yet we continue to be denied regular salaries,” said S. Anita, a protesting lecturer. “We understand the inconvenience caused to students, but we are under immense financial pressure and have no other option.”
The protest has not only impacted classes but also mobilised students from institutions like Johnstone Higher Secondary School and CC Higher Secondary School. Several students staged protests outside their school gates, calling on authorities to address the teachers’ grievances to restore academic normalcy.
The lecturers have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met, urging the state government to uphold its previous commitments and prevent further disruption to the education system.
