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Friday, 14th February 2025

Manipur: HTC Directs Schools In Moreh To Remove Manipuri Subject Amid Political Tensions

By Rupa Das -
  • Updated
  • :
  • 17th January 2025,
  • 6:16 PM

The Hill Tribal Council (HTC), a key organization representing the Hill Tribal Council, has issued a directive for all government and private schools in Moreh town, located in the Tengnoupal district in Manipur. The HTC has ordered the removal of the Manipuri/Meitei Mayek subject from school syllabi starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Reason Behind The Move In the official notification, the HTC stated that the decision aims to ensure students receive education in subjects that are more useful and relevant. The council emphasized that the removal of the Manipuri […]

HTC Directs Schools In Moreh To Remove Manipuri Subject Amid Political Tensions In Manipur

HTC Directs Schools In Moreh To Remove Manipuri Subject Amid Political Tensions In Manipur

The Hill Tribal Council (HTC), a key organization representing the Hill Tribal Council, has issued a directive for all government and private schools in Moreh town, located in the Tengnoupal district in Manipur. The HTC has ordered the removal of the Manipuri/Meitei Mayek subject from school syllabi starting in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Reason Behind The Move

In the official notification, the HTC stated that the decision aims to ensure students receive education in subjects that are more useful and relevant. The council emphasized that the removal of the Manipuri subject is a step toward respecting the cultural and emotional sentiments of the Kuki-Zo people. This comes amid the ongoing political turmoil between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur.

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Alternate Language Options

As part of the new directive, schools in Moreh are advised to encourage students to opt for other subjects. These include Hindi, English, Mizo, Thadou, Hmar, Zou, Maring, Anal, Vaiphei, Paite, Gangte, or any other Modern Indian Language (MIL). The aim is to provide a broader selection of languages for students to study. Students will study those subjects which are seen as more aligned with current political and cultural climate.

The HTC also made it clear that schools failing to follow the directive would face penalties. This added measure stresses the council’s determination to ensure adherence to the new curriculum changes.

Context Of The Controversy

The Meitei language, which uses the Meitei Mayek script, holds significance as the official language of Manipur. According to the Sahitya Akademi, the script has a rich history, dating back to at least the 6th century. However, the ongoing political and ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has fueled tensions over the issue of language and culture in the state.

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Impact On Education In Moreh

The HTC’s order will have a significant impact on the education system in Moreh. The town, which is known for its diverse demographic composition, will see a shift in its educational focus. Schools that once included Manipuri/Meitei Mayek as part of their curriculum will now need to adapt to the new guidelines and offer alternative language subjects.

This move by the HTC highlights the deepening divide in Manipur, where language and culture have become central issues in the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. Whether this decision will lead to lasting educational changes or further exacerbate tensions remains to be seen. However, the HTC’s stance reflects the current mood in the region and the community’s desire to maintain its identity amid the ongoing unrest.

As the political situation continues to evolve, more changes in educational policies and cultural representation in Manipur are likely. The HTC’s directive marks a new chapter in the complex relationship between the state’s diverse communities.

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