Imphal: Clashes in Manipur since May 3 last have seriously affected normal lives in the state and with the internet being suspended online education, examinations were also completely ruled out.
Amid the chaos the NEET examination was held in 22 centres in Imphal East and Imphal West. The government made arrangements for all the candidates by a special arrangement only for the students of Manipur. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2023, was held on May 7, 2023 but it could not be held in Manipur due to the clashes.
For the candidates who have gone to other states, examination centres were also arranged in other states. Many parents along with their children moved out of Manipur as preparations for the examinations could not be done without access to the internet.
Even though the examination started at noon, most of the candidates reached the centres early morning. There were no disturbances and the admit cards were considered as curfew passes. Curfew was relaxed from 5 am to 5 pm for the day but for the candidates, officials on duty from far flung areas free movement was assured by the government. Arrangements were made for the parents and guardians of the candidates who came from far flung areas near the examination centres by providing resting places and other amenities.
The candidates could not download their new admit cards hence the government made arrangements in a private school and office of the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West.
All educational institutes will remain closed till June 15 next and to ensure that academic activities are not affected by various civil societies, student bodies have started providing textbooks, educational materials to about 4000 students in various relief camps. The relief camps were not likely to be closed down as thousands of houses were burnt during the clashes.
