Guwahati: Away from the chaos of ethnic tension in Manipur, a group of students is preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam at a boarding facility in Bishnupur district.
The facility houses about 50 aspirants from different communities who are preparing for the competitive exam, which was “rescheduled on 7 May” due to the ongoing crisis. The facility is run by National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO), a Kanpur-based educational trust, in collaboration with the Indian Army.
Though appreciative of the army for taking care of them, the teenagers are apprehensive about their future and worry about their families back home. They also believe negotiations are the only path for peace to return to Manipur.
A 23-year-old medical aspirant from Bishnupur district says instances of violence over the past fortnight have had some impact on their studies, but the environment inside the facility helps them stay focused.
“We try to calm down and focus on our studies, equally paying attention to our meals and sleep. Here, we have friends from all communities in Manipur, and we are helping each other. But there’s uncertainty about our future. We do not know how long this situation will continue and when things will return to normal,” he tells ThePrint.
“We are a little confused, but concentrating on things we can do,” he adds, stating that they do not know the ground reality well as they haven’t ventured out.
Most of the 50 aspirants like him have lived in the facility for almost a year. When asked, they say their families back home are said to be safe.
Uncertainty prevails in Manipur where ethnic violence between the Meiteis and the Kukis claimed more than 70 lives this month. Despite Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s reassurance that measures were taken to restore peace and normalcy, incidents of violence continue to be reported from different parts of the state.
The conflict has disrupted livelihoods and displaced tens of thousands in hills and valley areas. Hundreds have fled to neighbouring states, and some even across the international border into Myanmar, for safety.
Apart from civil society organisations, the Indian Army has proved to be a vital source of support and stability for locals who have sought refuge in makeshift camps in the wake of the violence.
‘Ready to crack exams’
Against this backdrop, an 18-year-old from Bishnupur, preparing for NEET at the facility since last August, tells ThePrint that he does not want to know details about the ethnic clashes since that would affect his mental health.
Another 18-year-old aspiring doctor from Kangpokpi says he is worried about his parents and the future of his siblings. “When I spoke with my parents on the night of 3 May, at around 10 pm, they were running for shelter to the army camp. Our home in the village is safe, but dwelling in Imphal was burned down. We had lived there for 10 years,” he says.
Talking about his three younger brothers who were pursuing education in Imphal, he adds that his parents are afraid to send them back to school. “They share their problems with me since I am the eldest,” he says, hoping that the schools reopen soon and that the environment is safe for every child. “I wish everything could be done through discussion, without any damage to homes and properties.”
Another NEET aspirant from Churachandpur district says he longs to stay with his family in this difficult time, but also knows it is safer to be at the boarding facility. “We follow a routine, and that helps. In the evening, there’s a game period, and we sometimes interact with our friends at leisure, mostly discussing studies.”
The 20-year-old, who wishes to be a doctor like his friends, adds, “I think it is better to hold a stethoscope and save lives rather than holding guns. We are four siblings, and my brother is in the army.”
The facility has four teachers and as many administrative staffers. For the boarders, their daily routine begins with breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by classes, lunch, a doubt-clearing session, games, and a study period and ends with dinner at around 8-9 p.m.
A teacher at the facility says the faculty holds “motivational sessions and yoga classes for the children, besides regular counselling and interaction with senior army officers”.
“During the conflict, we engaged in individual counselling sessions and also spoke with parents. We do apprise them of the situation outside,” the teacher adds.
Hoping to be a military doctor, a 19-year-old boarder from Imphal East district says the coaching programme has helped many teenagers from financially weaker backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
“We have been staying here free of cost, and many poor families in Manipur have benefited through this programme. Army is taking good care of us. We have regular counselling, a safe environment and all amenities. My preparation is going on well, and despite the prevailing situation, we are ready to crack the exams,” he says.
“Whatever the problem is, we should find a solution without violence. We live together and in the future too, after leaving this campus, we will stand for each other.”
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
Also Read: Manipur, the aftermath: Efforts to move on, remembering good samaritans, prayers for ravaged home