Two student leaders serving as functionaries of Kuki Students Organization (Gunpi Block) were arrested by law enforcers today in connection with setting ablaze of a Catholic school located at Sugnu in Chandel district, 65 km from the state capital town last night.
Interacting with media, IGP K Jayanta at his office had remarked St Joseph Higher Secondary School was set ablaze last night at around 9.50 pm by unidentified miscreants following which investigation was initiated.
The state force based at Kakching and Sugnu town and fire brigade had rushed into the location to control the fire, but one classroom block and the office of the Principal were completely gutted.
Estimated Rs 35, 29,000 worth of properties were also lost in the inferno, informed the top ranking officer.
The arrested has been identified as 30-year-old David Jamminlen Baits and 26-year-old Thangkhanlal Haokip. Both the two serve as functionaries of KSO (Gunpi)
He also continued that preliminary investigation had revealed "suspected involvement of KSO" and was further substantiated by the fact that the student body on April 24 "had given ultimatum to the school" authority to shut down demanding that earlier suspension of six students by school authority because of indiscipline be revoked.
The dictation was however not entertained by the school authority prompting the student body to enforce "closing down the school" from Thursday.
The incident had triggered much protest including a rally today by incensed students of the school condemning the incident and arrest of those involved in the crime.
Investigation is still on, the officer maintained.
By – Phanjoubam Chingkheinganba (Ching)
