The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) has formally requested Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to provide immediate financial assistance, specifically Travel Allowance (TA), for Kuki-Zo candidates preparing for the 2025 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE).
In their appeal to the Governor, the KSO underscored the significant hardships encountered by these aspiring civil servants. Due to the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur, many candidates have been compelled to choose examination centres located outside the state in Aizawl, Guwahati, and Nagaland.
The KSO emphasized that the unstable security situation within Manipur renders it unsafe for Kuki-Zo candidates to undertake the examination within the state. This necessitates incurring substantial additional costs for travel and accommodation.
The student body conveyed in their letter that a considerable number of these aspirants come from financially challenged families. The added financial burden of travel and lodging has regrettably caused some promising individuals to either delay their aspirations or abandon their dreams of joining the prestigious civil services, despite their preparedness and strong motivation.
The KSO further highlighted the consistent success of candidates from the Kuki-Zo community in past UPSC examinations, noting their valuable contributions to community advancement and national administration. The organization asserted that their participation in the civil services is not merely a personal accomplishment but also a positive step towards fostering inclusive nation-building and ensuring fair representation.
Through this earnest appeal, the Kuki Students’ Organisation implores the highest constitutional authority in the state to offer compassionate and timely support. Their aim is to ensure that deserving Kuki-Zo candidates are not deprived of this vital opportunity due to financial limitations.
The KSO expressed its hopeful anticipation for a sympathetic and proactive response from the Governor’s office, which they believe will reaffirm the commitment to equity, education, and the pursuit of peace within the state of Manipur.