Hundreds of school students across Manipur faced significant disruption to their education on Thursday as van drivers completely ceased operations to protest against rampant extortion demands from various armed groups and organizations.
Widespread Protest Halts School Transportation
Drivers associated with the All Manipur School Students Transporters' Association (AMSSTA) organized sit-in demonstrations at multiple locations throughout the state, bringing school transportation services to a complete standstill. The protest directly impacted the daily commute of numerous students who rely on these services to reach their educational institutions.
The association president, M Kenedy Singh, revealed to media that school van driver unions under AMSSTA have been receiving repeated monetary demands from different groups. “We are unable to continue our services under such circumstances,” Singh stated emphatically.
Educational Institutions Forced to Adjust Schedules
The transportation shutdown had immediate consequences for educational institutions across Manipur. Several schools declared unexpected holidays, while others shortened academic hours or announced half-day sessions due to critically low student attendance.
Private schools were particularly affected, as the majority of their student population depends entirely on van services for school transportation. The sudden unavailability of these services left working parents scrambling to make alternative arrangements for their children's school commute.
Drivers Speak Out Against Unbearable Pressure
Expressing the drivers' predicament, Kennedy Singh explained, “We are simple drivers and van owners trying to earn an honest living. At the end of each month, we are left with very little money to even manage our own homes or pay for fuel and vehicle maintenance.” He emphasized that the rising extortion has become completely unbearable for the van operators.
Another driver, James Meitei, made an emotional appeal to all concerned parties to stop causing hardships to van drivers. He highlighted their crucial role in shaping future generations by ensuring students' daily commute to schools, even during challenging weather conditions.
The protest, while disruptive to education, was described as a last resort by the drivers. Singh expressed regret about the school disruptions but clarified that van drivers had no other option to highlight their desperate situation and draw attention to the extortion problem.
Parents Voice Concerns Over Security Situation
One parent, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, shared the practical difficulties faced by working parents. “My daughter depends entirely on the school van for going to school. It becomes extremely difficult for working parents like us when the van service stops unexpectedly.”
The parent also expressed deeper concerns about the rising cases of extortion in Manipur that have now begun affecting even essential services like school transportation. This incident highlights the broader security challenges facing the state.
According to official statistics, Manipur Police DGP Rajiv Singh recently disclosed that law enforcement authorities have arrested over 600 militants linked to extortion-related activities in the past year alone, indicating the scale of the problem.
