Hundreds of students, teachers, and education advocates marched across Manipur’s valley districts on Saturday to mark the 18th Disturbance-Free Education Zone Demand Day. The state-wide campaign, spearheaded by the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) in collaboration with 15 civil society organisations, was held under the common theme: “Make Education a Disturbance-Free Zone.”

Rallies were organised in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur districts, drawing large participation and public attention. Protesters called for an end to disruptions in the education sector caused by conflict, political instability, corruption, and administrative negligence.

In Imphal, the demonstration began at THAU Ground near the Manipur Legislative Assembly and ended at Imphal College. Similar rallies in Kakching and Thoubal kicked off from BASU Ground and concluded at Thoubal College, while in Bishnupur, marchers proceeded from DSA Ground to ECHO Thiyam Leikai community hall.

DESAM President Mayengbam Somorjit, addressing the media, urged the government to legislate a minimum of 220 academic days per year for all educational institutions. He argued that such a measure is essential to safeguard students’ learning, particularly during extended periods of unrest.

Among other key demands, DESAM called for the appointment of Directors of Education (Schools) and Directors of Education (University and Higher Secondary) from among qualified educators, and for transparency in appointments and promotions within the education sector. The organisation stressed the need to eliminate corruption, nepotism, and favouritism in educational governance.

A significant aspect of the protest was the call for all armed groups operating in the state to cease financial and material demands on educational institutions—practices that have reportedly disrupted academic activities and imposed undue pressure on schools and colleges.

Protesters carried placards and banners demanding peace in educational zones and raised slogans in support of accessible, uninterrupted, and quality education for all students in Manipur.

As the state continues to face the impact of prolonged ethnic conflict and institutional instability, the call for disturbance-free education has gained renewed urgency—especially among young people whose academic futures remain uncertain.