BHUBANESWAR: The ethnic conflict in Manipur has not only taken a heavy toll on its people in that very state, but also it has left serious repercussions miles away in Odisha. Students hailing from the northeastern hilly state who are pursuing higher education in various colleges and universities here have not been able to make any correspondence with their family members due to restrictions on internet and mobile services.
They are currently in a state of panic and despair as they ponder over the fate of their family members.
What has added to the woes of these students in sojourn is that many of them have not been able to pay their dues as parents fail to remit money. Moreover, they find it difficult to pay their admission, readmission, examination, and other fees as their guardians are not able to send money to them through online transactions due to the ban on internet services.
“We came to Odisha to pursue higher studies for a bright future. However, the present circumstances have made our survival difficult,” said some students.
In the midst of gloom and despair, some of the Manipur students are seen performing their rich folk songs and dance every evening.
In bid to console the traumatic students, authorities of different colleges in Odisha are trying their best to lift their morale and self-confidence.
“Our family can’t send us money through online transfer as there is a curb on the internet. We are not able to pay our admission, readmission and other fees. We have even run out of money required for our daily expenses also,” said Surmila, a Manipur student.
The main problem of Manipur students is that despite having eligibility criteria, they are not able to take admission in national-level educational institutions in other states due to the ongoing violence in their state.
“We are not able to take admission in national level institutes in different parts of the country. The registration deadline has already passed and we are not able to apply due to a curb on internet connection. Our brothers and sisters back home are also not able to continue their studies as schools and colleges are shut down due to the ongoing violence,” said Obin, another Manipur student.
The Odisha higher education department has already started the process to help the students of Manipur after getting a letter in this regard from Manipur Governor and chief secretary.
“We are aware of the plight of Manipur students in Odisha. After receiving proper data from the higher education ministry about them, the state government will take necessary steps and extend its helping hand to provide them all kinds of support including financial help,” said Tanmay Swain, adviser of odisha higher education department.
