JAN 19, 2025 (IMP): The conflict-torn sports capital of India, Manipur, has been put to shame once again after a video appeared on various social media platforms alleging extortion from players of the Rajasthan team by a suspected militant group after their vehicle was stopped on the way to Imphal for nearly two hours while coming to participate in the 69th National School Games in Imphal.
The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), in the strongest terms, has condemned the incident of “intimidation and extortion of young players, coaches, and accompanying family members,” which has caused serious fear and mental trauma, particularly to the Rajasthan team. The student body said, “the incident clearly exposes the failure of President’s Rule in Manipur, as armed groups continue to operate openly on public highways while participants of a national sporting event remain unsafe.” The organisation termed the incident a national embarrassment and a grave security lapse.
The AMSU demanded the immediate arrest of those involved, the strengthening of security along all travel routes of National School Games participants, and accountability from the authorities concerned, and warned that continued inaction would compel the union to launch democratic agitations to protect public safety and uphold national dignity.
The video in question was reportedly uploaded by members of the Rajasthan contingent who participated in the 69th National School Games Championship at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.
Meanwhile, the Director of Youth Affairs and Sports has reportedly sought police action to verify allegations of extortion on the Dimapur–Imphal route and called for immediate verification of the claims and legal action if the allegations are found to be true. It also called for coordination with police in the Senapati and Kangpokpi districts, through which the route passes, to verify the alleged incident.
