Student bodies condemn Churachandpur administration on I-Day

Churachandpur, August 16, 2026: The apex student organisations of Churachandpur district have strongly condemned the alleged action and inaction of the District Administration during the Independence Day celebrations, after more than 50 students who participated in the march-past reportedly suffered heat stroke and dehydration and had to be rushed to the District Hospital for immediate treatment.

In a joint condemnation issued on August 16, the student bodies said they had learnt that the students were made to undergo march-past practice for several days without being provided adequate refreshments.

They further alleged that during the Independence Day celebrations, the students were required to stand under the scorching sun for hours, while VIPs were seated comfortably in the shade and provided with refreshments. According to the organisations, the lack of adequate care and consideration resulted in more than 50 students requiring hospitalisation.

The student bodies also expressed concern that the Churachandpur District Administration did not visit or extend personal support to the hospitalised students.

They said a visit to the affected students could have demonstrated empathy and concern for their well-being, reassured the students and their families, and conveyed that their health and safety were valued by the administration.

While acknowledging that isolated cases of dehydration and heat stroke can occur naturally, the organisations described the hospitalisation of more than 50 students as unprecedented in Churachandpur. They said the incident reflected an alleged lack of proper planning and application of mind by the District Administration while organising the Independence Day parade.

The student organisations urged the District Administration to take substantive and effective measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

They warned that, in the absence of such measures, they may be constrained to consider appropriate steps, including advising schools and students to refrain from participating in events organised by the District Administration.

The organisations stressed that the safety, dignity and welfare of students must always take precedence over their participation in ceremonial events.

The joint condemnation was signed by Ch. Munglal Gangte, President, Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur; Nengzakham Tonusing, President, Zomi Students’ Federation (General Headquarters); and Gefferel Saimang, President, Hmar Students’ Association, Tuithaphai Joint Headquarters.