Highway Restrictions Severely Affect Manipur Aspirants’ Exam Access

Imphal, June 16: In a concerning development, Manipur aspirants preparing for competitive and academic examinations are facing immense challenges due to ongoing highway restrictions in the state. With crucial lifelines like National Highway 2 (NH-2) frequently disrupted, students have been left stranded, anxious, and uncertain about reaching their examination centres on time.

The situation has escalated to the point where many students from interior regions, especially in the hill districts, are being forced to travel days in advance under risky and expensive conditions—or even skip their exams entirely.

Future at risk as Manipur aspirants struggle to reach exam centres

For many Manipur aspirants, this year was supposed to mark a turning point in their lives—full of opportunities through national-level exams such as NEET, CUET, and UPSC prelims. However, with the persistent unrest and security checkpoints along NH-2 and other key routes, students now find themselves at the mercy of unpredictable travel times and unsafe roads.

Several parents have voiced concerns over their children’s safety. “We are not just worried about whether they will reach their exam centre, we’re worried about whether they will return safely at all,” said a parent from Senapati district.

Highway blockades derail preparation, cause mental distress

The blockade has led to not only logistical issues but also emotional distress. Aspirants say the stress of preparing for high-stakes exams is being compounded by travel uncertainties. A CUET candidate from Ukhrul said, “How can we concentrate on studying when we don’t even know if we can reach our exam centre?”

Students living in violence-hit areas also report limited access to coaching institutes, study material, and even stable internet—all critical components of modern exam preparation.

Manipur aspirants plead for government intervention

With growing frustration, Manipur aspirants are now appealing to the state and central governments to ensure safe travel corridors and possibly provide relocation of centres closer to aspirant-dense areas. Many suggest that temporary arrangements such as special buses, helicopters, or alternative centres could alleviate the suffering.

The demand is gaining momentum across social media, where hashtags like #SupportManipurStudents and #HighwayReliefForAspirants are trending, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated government action.

Educational equity under threat in Manipur

The highway crisis exposes a deeper issue—educational inequity. Students from Manipur already face challenges such as limited infrastructure and fewer opportunities. Now, the situation is worsening with disruptions to even the most basic right: access to education and examination.

Academic experts and activists fear that if the issue continues, the region might witness a rise in dropout rates and a decline in national representation from Manipur in competitive spheres.

Hope remains as civil bodies step in to assist

Despite the chaos, some hope has emerged. Civil society organisations, local volunteers, and student unions are mobilising to assist stranded Manipur aspirants. Some have provided free rides, temporary lodging, and psychological counselling to help ease the burden.

Still, these efforts, though commendable, can only go so far. Long-term resolution requires stable policy intervention and peace in the region.

Conclusion: A call to restore dignity and opportunity

The plight of Manipur aspirants is a stark reminder that education access is not just about academic performance, but about equal opportunity and security. Unless swift steps are taken, a generation of hardworking and capable youth could be left behind—not due to a lack of merit, but due to a failure in logistics and governance.