Olympians threaten to return medal for ‘inaction against Kuki militants’

A group of eleven sports personalities from Manipur, including Olympians, have sent a letter to Amit Shah, requesting his intervention in resolving the current crisis. Among the signatories is Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu, who has said if the situation doesn’t improve and “peace and normalcy” is not restored, they will return their awards and medals.

The letter’s signatories, which included weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, former captain of the Indian women’s football team Bem Bem Devi and boxer L Sarita Devi, have also called for the National Highway-2 to be reopened.

“By killing people and burning down houses despite the deployment of large companies of Central Security Forces in Manipur, it shows that paramilitary forces are reluctant to prevent Kuki militants from attacking innocent civilians. So, we condemn such attacks on unarmed civilians, especially in the peripheral areas of the valley districts,” the memorandum stated.

Shah held a closed-door meeting with leaders of civil society organisations and intellectuals of Churachandpur on the prevailing civil unrest. Soon after his arrival, he headed to 27 Sector, Assam Rifles at Tuibong and held closed-door meetings with CSO leaders. Shah met representatives of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum which spearheaded the current tribal movement. “Shah assured a permanent political solution within 15 days,” ITLF spokesperson Ginza Vualjong told media persons after the meeting.

Later in the evening, Shah held an all-party meeting in Imphal. Shah also reviewed the security situation with senior officials of Manipur Police, CAPFs and the Indian Army. He instructed them to strictly deal with any activities disturbing the peace. Shah will visit Moreh and Kangpokpi areas of Manipur on Wednesday.As per a state government official, during a meeting between Shah and the state ministers, it was decided to give compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the next of kin who died in the ethnic violence. A government job would be provided to a family member.