NEW DELHI: Manipur govt Tuesday told Delhi HC that in view of the prevailing security situation in the state, UPSC civil services preliminary examination centres for candidates from tribal districts should be assigned outside the state, as was done last year.
Manipur govt counsel submitted a letter by the state chief secretary before SC, which stated that given the precarious law and order situation and ethnic tension, it may not be appropriate to provide centres in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, and suggested that the candidates be allotted nearest centres outside the state for the May 26 prelims.
The state also gave an undertaking to provide monetary assistance to the aspirants for travel to centres outside the state. The bench prima facie agreed with the suggestion to follow the 2023 pattern, and asked the UPSC counsel to take instructions. The matter was posted for hearing on March 22.
HC was hearing a petition by Zomi Students Federation, which stated that it was not possible for aspirants from tribal districts to travel to Imphal.
The plea sought alternative exam centres for civil services and Indian Forest Service aspirants in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts and reopening of the application window to enable civil services aspirants to opt for a centre of their choice. UPSC had earlier told the court that it had written three letters to the Manipur chief secretary with respect to opening of exam centres in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul, but no response had been received yet.