IMPHAL, April 26 - Unidentified miscreants burnt down the St Joseph Higher Secondary School at Sugnu, a town located in Kakching district, the police said today. The incident took place last night.
On receipt of information, Kakching Police and a fire brigade rushed to the site. One classroom block and the office of the principal were totally gutted, said Inspector General of Police K Jayanta Singh in a press release. The approximate loss is about Rs 38,29,000.
During preliminary investigation, the involvement of volunteers of Kuki Students� Organisation (KSO-Gunpi block) was highly suspected, the release stated, adding that the KSO had earlier demanded of the school authority to revoke suspension of six students. On the refusal of the school authority to do so, the KSO issued a diktat on closure of the school with effect from April 25.
Meanwhile, the police arrested secretary of education David Jamminlen Baite (30) and information secretary Thangkhanlal Haokip (26) of KSO-Gunpi block, Chandel district. Further investigation is on.
Awarded: The Heisnam Basantakumar Award 2019 was conferred on noted Manipuri scholar, Nongmaithem Tombi Singh, on the World Book Day held at the Manipur Hindi Parishad on April 23. The function was organised by Sahita Thoupang Lup.
Tombi is a distinguished scholar and theatre and culture critic. The award carries Rs 10,000, a shawl and citation.
It may be mentioned that late Heisnam Basantakumar (1950-1990) wrote a novel, Mongpham, and a poetry book entitled Basanta Paojel. The award has been instituted by his son, Balkrisna Heisnam, Director DIPR, Manipur.
The award distribution function was attended by Director of Tourism Waikhom Ibohal Singh, Director of Art and Culture Aribam Shivdas Sharma and Director of Social Welfare Ngangom Uttam Singh.
