Monika's case: Rally calls for speedy completion of probe
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 10: Following media reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation has commenced proceedings on weightlifter Laishram Monika Devi issue, hundreds of people took out a rally today for expeditious completion of the investigation and punishment of the guilty.

The public rally is the latest protest that was witnessed in the State after Monika Devi was controversially excluded from the Indian contingent for the recently concluded Beijing Olympic Games.

A mass public rally taken out to demand speedy completion of the probe into the case of L Monika

The rally was organised under the banner of 'coordinating committee against the conspiracy to exclude Monika from Beijing Olympics by Government of India', and with Khuman Lampak sports complex as the starting point covered important locations of the capital city such as Dingku road, Hatta, Checkon before winding up at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at palace compound where a public meeting was held.

Among others, the meeting condemned alleged discriminatory attitude of the central Government/institutions against sportspersons.

It also decided to apprise world body the International Olympic Committee (IOC), consult legal practitioners and means for punishment of the guilty officials and to take steps for forming a separate contingent of athletes of the north east region to join in any international sports meet as a separate entity.

the rally cum meeting was participated by students, representatives of civil society organisations, sports bodies and women groups and consequently resolved to strengthen sports movement in the state.

President of Manipur Olympic Association E Binoykumar Singh said the guilty persons should have tendered apology for their misdeeds but they are still reluctant.

"But the CBI, in its inquiry, would definitely implicate them and everything would be known who is who and who are the wrong doers," the MOA chief said while urging the public to unite for bringing justice.

"Let us stand together for justice and show to all that we cannot be suppressed by anybody," he said while pointing out that the tremendous support extended by the public will consistently inject a new impetus in Manipur's sports movement.

Earlier, in a telephonic conversation L Monika Devi conveyed her heartfelt gratitude towards the people of Manipur for tirelessly backing her cause and affirmed she would stand by any steps taken up by the people.

"As a Manipuri Chanura (women) I stand by the any decision taken for bringing justice," she declared.

"The anger is still in my mind and would subside only when the guilty officials, who ruined my career, are punished," she said while urging the people as well as the state authorities to sustain pressure upon the centre to speed up the CBI probe.

The committee comprising of representatives of social, student and sports bodies including MOA had on September 8 temporarily lifted the ban on state athletes' participation at zonal, national and international level competitions after the Central Government decided to hand-over the case to the CBI.