Catholic school burned down in Manipur, two Kuki Students' Organization members arrested

Imphal, April 27, 2019:

St. Joseph's School at Sugnu in Kakching district, one of the oldest Catholic schools in Manipur, was burnt down to ashes by unknown miscreants at around 9:50 pm on Thursday. On receipt of information, the Kakching District Police along with the Fire Brigade of Sugnu and Kakching rushed to control the fire.

A classroom block, including the office of the principal, was totally gutted in the arson. Property worth Rs. 35 lakhs was reportedly destroyed.

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Two executive members of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) of Chandel District have been arrested in connection with the arson of St. Joseph’s School.

The arrested volunteers of the KSO are David Jamminlen Baite (30), and Thangkhanlal Haokip (26), Information Secretary.

A press release by IGP K. Jayanta Singh informed that St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Sugnu “was burned down by unknown miscreants suspected to be volunteers of Kuki Students’ Organisation (Gunpi Block), Chandel District.”

IGP Jayanta Singh informed that with reference to a preliminary investigation that the involvement of volunteers of KSO is highly suspected.

“This has been substantiated by the fact that the ultimatum given to the school from the KSO which was found posted at the gate of the school was also noticed and the copy recovered.”

The IGP added that during further investigation, it was found out that the KSO had demanded the school authorities to revoke the suspension of 6 students who had been suspended because of indiscipline by the school authority which the school authority denied resulting the KSO to issue the dictate for the closure of the school with effect from April 25.

“... the school authority did not concede to the demand of the KSO and continued to resume normal classes which prompted the KSO to burn the school,” IGP Jayanta Singh added.