Imphal, Jan. 11: The academic career of at least 520 students of a popular government-run school here has suffered a big setback since their school is closed for uncertain period following militants’ extortion demands.

Consequent to an ultimatum issued by militants, students of the government residential school “Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya” in Imphal, were compelled to vacate the school campus.

The school principal N. Dhiren, who has been negotiating with the militants, has gone into hiding. And, the school “Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya”, located at Imphal’s Khumbong area, has been closed.

The militants had reportedly demanded a ransom of rupees one million (rupees 10 lakhs) from the school principal. The amount was reduced to rupees 3.5 lakhs following days of negotiations but the school authorities expressed their inability to meet that demand.

The staff and students came to know of the problem after they returned to school from the Chirstmas vacations here. Everyone was shocked to learn about militants’ demands and threat.

"I don't know all the details but today most of the parents came to drop their children but took back their wards from the school. As a teacher, I think, it is very unfortunate. It is going to hamper the career of so many brilliant students are enrolled here," said a staff member requesting anonymity.

"I think the problem was going on before he (principal) actually left the campus. He tried his level-best to solve the problem at his own level by negotiating with the group that put a certain demand on him. He tried his best to solve the problem. But when there was a threat to his life, he went into hiding," said another member of the school staff.

The school today presents a deserted look as all students have moved out of the campus. (ANI)