‘Kuki militants’ threaten, rob Rajasthan school students
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By Our Staff Report
IMPHAL, Jan 19 : Kuki militants "extorting money" from even school children returning from the 69th National School Games in Imphal has raised serious concerns about safety and security on the Highways.
Members of Rajasthan School Wushu team were returning from Imphal after the game when they were stopped and threatened at gunpoint by suspected armed Kuki militants to pay them money, said an India TodayNE report, quoting one of the parents of the children.
At gunpoint, they were forced to pay the money.
This incident happened amid calls for allowing free movement on the National Highways, and strict action against armed militants operating along the routes who often resort to intimidation and extortion.
Events of few sports disciplines of the 69th National School Games were held in Imphal.
A 52 strong contingent from Rajasthan participated in the games.
The Wushu girls’ team secured first place and the boys’ team secured second place.
The Rajasthan team experienced the extortion incident while they were already under distress due to alleged mismanagement regarding their return journey.
When returning from Imphal, "no appropriate arrangement" was made by the authorities concerned for the return journey, said the team.
The report, quoting a team member, said only 24 unconfirmed train tickets were arranged for their return journey, and parents were forced to arrange it.
Meanwhile, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), Manipur, has informed that an inquiry has been initiated and police have been instructed to look into the case of extortion.
The Director told India TodayNE that no grievances were brought to the notice of the department while the team was in Imphal.
Even though a formal complaint has not been filed, police have been asked to look into the allegation of extortion, said the Director.
The All Manipur Students' Union has strongly condemned the extortion incident.
It said the Rajasthan team including student players, coaches and parents were detained for nearly two hours and extorted at gunpoint by armed militants.
It termed the incident a National embarrassment and a failure of the President's Rule.
Condemning the "barbaric and unacceptable" act, AMSU demanded immediate arrest of all involved and the Government to take steps to strengthen security on National Highways. Continued inaction would compel the union to launch democratic agitation to ensure public safety and uphold National dignity, it said.
IMPHAL, Jan 19 : Kuki militants "extorting money" from even school children returning from the 69th National School Games in Imphal has raised serious concerns about safety and security on the Highways.
Members of Rajasthan School Wushu team were returning from Imphal after the game when they were stopped and threatened at gunpoint by suspected armed Kuki militants to pay them money, said an India TodayNE report, quoting one of the parents of the children.
At gunpoint, they were forced to pay the money.
This incident happened amid calls for allowing free movement on the National Highways, and strict action against armed militants operating along the routes who often resort to intimidation and extortion.
Events of few sports disciplines of the 69th National School Games were held in Imphal.
A 52 strong contingent from Rajasthan participated in the games.
The Wushu girls’ team secured first place and the boys’ team secured second place.
The Rajasthan team experienced the extortion incident while they were already under distress due to alleged mismanagement regarding their return journey.
When returning from Imphal, "no appropriate arrangement" was made by the authorities concerned for the return journey, said the team.
The report, quoting a team member, said only 24 unconfirmed train tickets were arranged for their return journey, and parents were forced to arrange it.
Meanwhile, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), Manipur, has informed that an inquiry has been initiated and police have been instructed to look into the case of extortion.
The Director told India TodayNE that no grievances were brought to the notice of the department while the team was in Imphal.
Even though a formal complaint has not been filed, police have been asked to look into the allegation of extortion, said the Director.
The All Manipur Students' Union has strongly condemned the extortion incident.
It said the Rajasthan team including student players, coaches and parents were detained for nearly two hours and extorted at gunpoint by armed militants.
It termed the incident a National embarrassment and a failure of the President's Rule.
Condemning the "barbaric and unacceptable" act, AMSU demanded immediate arrest of all involved and the Government to take steps to strengthen security on National Highways. Continued inaction would compel the union to launch democratic agitation to ensure public safety and uphold National dignity, it said.