The Manipur government has informed the Delhi High Court of its opposition to the establishment of examination centres for the 2024 Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (CSE) in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts due to concerns about violence.
Due to violence concerns, the Manipur government has informed the Delhi High Court of its opposition to establishing examination centres for the 2024 Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (CSE) in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts. In a letter presented to the Court during a hearing on a plea by the Zomi Student Federation seeking such centres, the Manipur Chief Secretary emphasized that according to the UPSC's notification, Imphal remains the sole examination centre in Manipur.
The Zomi Student Federation argued that ethnic violence in the state has led to a stark separation between the Meitei community and Kuki-Zo tribals, forcing candidates from the hill districts to opt for centres in neighbouring states, incurring significant travel expenses.
The Chief Secretary proposed that candidates from the concerned districts could be considered for allocation at the nearest centres outside Manipur, as was done in the previous year, with the government offering financial assistance for their travel. The letter also cited recent incidents of violence in Churachandpur, highlighting the challenges of ensuring security in such situations.
The Delhi High Court, taking cognizance of the state's stance, directed the UPSC's counsel to provide a response on the matter by the next hearing scheduled for March 22. The UPSC had informed the court that despite multiple letters to the Manipur Chief Secretary regarding the opening of examination centres, no response had been received.