Imphal, Feb. 26: Students of government schools in Kakching in Manipur’s Thoubal district today marched towards chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s office here, demanding resumption of classes. Police stopped them before they could reach the CM’s office.

Students of more than 500 government schools in the state have not been having any classes since mid-January because of a face-off between teachers and Manipur government over a salary hike.

While the teachers, under the banner of Council of Teachers’ Associations, are demanding implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, the government says it cannot pay a higher salary as it does not have the resources.

As the stalemate continues, students in government schools who will be appearing in matriculation and Class XII examinations are worried. The Class XII exams will begin on March 16 and the matriculation exams on March 25.

“We have not covered the syllabus. The examination is knocking at the door. We are in a state of uncertainty,” Maibam Bala Devi, a student from Imphal West who will appear for this year’s matriculation exam, said.

Parents are also worried. “We are poor and cannot send my son for private tuitions. As there are no classes, he spends time out with friends. I am really worried about his results. The government should do something to end the impasse,” W. Noren Singh, a resident of the city, said.

“Rallies and sit-ins have failed to restore normality. The government’s indifference is spoiling students’ academic careers. The government is inviting violence from students,” K. Herojit, a student leader, said.