Dimapur, Feb. 15 : The High School Leaving Certificate examinations commenced across the state on February 15 as was scheduled by the Nagaland Board of School Education. For students and their parents, worry has yet to altogether ebb as Nagaland continues to reel from the indefinite shutdown across the state. An interaction with some parents of students in various schools of Dimapur indicated a small sign of relief as they had been anxious earlier on that the examinations wouldn’t be conducted due to the unrest. However, they appreciated the community leaders deciding to allow students to sit for the examinations.
But their problems are far from over. Talking about the inconveniences the bandh has thrown out, parents who depend on public transportation said to suffer the most. There are also some who are facing financial problems because they have not received salary from the government following the shutdown of all government work by the protestors. Nonetheless, in spite of the current situation, they are encouraging their children not to worry but to focus on their studies and give their best. Another advice for their wards: always remember to carry proper ID cards when moving about during examinations ‘just to avoid unwanted situations.’ Worried parents, scared students. Understandably, students are scared to go by themselves–they are aware of reports about aggressive behaviour from some of the “volunteers” enforcing the shutdown. Some mothers are grateful about the recent involvement of the Naga Mother’s Association as volunteers.
While appreciating the youths for their contribution to making the society better however, the parents have appealed to volunteers whose jurisdiction include school areas to take care of their children and to show compassion ‘by not staying too close especially when the examinations are going on.’ They have also appealed to them to desist from playing music using loud speakers. This can easily distract the students while writing.
‘They are students today but they are also citizens and leaders of the future, was the message from the parents. The people are urged by the parents to encourage and support the students who are appearing for their examinations and to ensure peace for their minds, especially during the ongoing academic tests.
