Imphal, Oct 19: Blooming School, a prestigious educational institution situated at Kalinagar Hmar Veng in Manipur’s Jiribam, was set on fire by unidentified miscreants on Friday morning.

The school is owned by Rev. Benjamin Shakum, a well-respected community figure known for his dedication to education and social welfare.

According to reports, the fire has caused extensive damage to the school and its property but no casualties have been reported.

“I am deeply saddened that my school, which I have been running since 1997, was burned down this morning. It stood as a beacon of education in Jiribam for nearly three decades, producing excellent results with no failures in the HSLC exams till date. We have always embraced students from all communities, including many from the Meitei community,” said Rev. Benjamin.

He said this attack on an institution dedicated to education and harmony is not just an attack on the school but on the values of unity and progress we have fostered for so long.

Rev. Benjamin urged authorities to bring the culprits to justice and address the damages.

The Hmar Inpui General Headquarters condemned the arson attack on the Hmar community school, calling it an assault on a vital educational institution serving all communities in Jiribam.

The Hmar Inpui highlighted that the attack took place while Hmar leaders were working towards normalcy, even participating in peace initiatives with Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs under the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi.

The Hmar Village Volunteers (HVVs) also expressed frustration, describing the attack as a direct challenge to peace in the region. Since the outbreak of communal conflict on May 3, 2023, the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar tribes have largely refrained from retaliation despite numerous atrocities, including the burning of houses and churches and the killing of Bosco Seigoulen Singson.

The All Jiribam Tribal Union also condemned the attack, urging unity, love, and mutual respect among all communities in the district.

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