IMPHAL October 19: Two groups of students broke into an intense confrontation at the Ibotonsana Higher Secondary School today over the recent students`™ election which was held on October 17.
Police and local meira paibis had to assist the teachers in controlling the students after the altercation went beyond their capacity to control.
Meanwhile, the school principal Kh Somola declared closure of the school ahead of normal time today and that the school will remain close for the next two days as a precautionary measure.
According to a student of the school, the commotion among two groups of students started around 1pm over disagreement regarding the vote counting.
She said `The election was held on October 17 and there had been much disagreement and allegations during the counting. Those allegations and counter allegations persisted today with some even alleging that the Principal had sided one of the parties.`
Mention may be made that the dispute intensified since the students were supported by AMSU and DESAM on each side.
Both these student bodies had expressed their opinions through the media earlier on the issue.
Principal Kh Somola said a report has been submitted to the director of the Education department and `The final decision on the recent election will be decide by the department.`
The principal narrated that the election for six secretaries to represent the students`™ body was held last Saturday.
According to her, `The voting was held very peacefully. However dispute arises during the counting exercise and the matter has escalated beyond our control. Now it will only be decided by the higher authority as the election was held under the department`™s jurisdiction.`
She claimed that, `The gate broke open today thus allowing some outsiders to enter and escalate the fight despite the gate being kept locked with a gate keeper.`
Large numbers of police including women police led by SDPO/IW Ghanashyam Sharma and members of the local meira paibis pacified the students after more than two hours of attempt.
Officials from the Education Directorate also arrived at the spot.
Ibotonsana Higher Secondary School has about 700 students from class IX to XII, according to the Principal.