Protests against exclusion of Monika unabated
ACOAM Lup demands white paper
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 10: Protest demonstrations were staged and road block imposed at different parts today in condemnation of the manner in which weightlifter Laishram Monika Devi was excluded from the Indian Olympic squad even as ACOAM-Lup has decided to take recourse to necessary legal assistance so that a white paper on the matter is furnished.

At Khwairamband Bazar, members of All Manipur Roadside Vendors, Khwairamband Bazar suspended their normal business transaction for the day and staged a Wakat Meepham at the market place today.

Talking to mediapersons, agitating members categorically observed that the officials of SAI should be made accountable for the humiliation caused to Monika and hurting the sentiments of the people of Manipur.

Road blocked to protest the exclusion of Monika from the Beijing squad at the last minute

Mayai Lambi Sports Academy also staged a similar protest demonstration at Mayang Imphal Bazar today.

A 12-year old Judo player who participated in the protest demonstration, said that the manner in which false charges were levelled against Monika at first and later not sending her to participate in the Beijing Olympic inspite of clearing the charges would discourage many sportspersons.

At Langmeidong, people of the area imposed road blocks along various points of Wabagai-Sugnu Road since early morning today in protest against exclusion of Monika from the Olympic squad.

On the other hand, demanding a white paper on the issue of Monika, ACOAM-Lup has decided to take recourse to necessary legal assistance in this regard.

Addressing a press conference in the afternoon here today, secretary general of ACOAM-Lup Chandramani Khumancha contended that exclusion of Monika from the Indian Olympic squad on false charges of failing dope test is yet another manifestation of suppressing the people of Manipur.

Demanding that the Government of India sack and remove IOC Chairman Suresh Kalmadi and chairman of Selection Committee of SAI RK Naidu from their respective posts, Khumancha said that otherwise, it would be construed involvement of the Government in the conspiracy.

The Government should also come out with a white paper on the issue.

For this, ACOAM-Lup is prepared even to take up the issue in the Supreme Court, Khumancha said.

While expressing support to the move of MOA to boycott National championships and National Games, Khumancha appealed to the MOA to work towards ensuring that the State players may participate in the International sporting events representing some other countries other than India in future.

In case the players need to adopt citizenship of that country in this connection, then ACOAM-Lup would provide every possible assistance, he assured.

Meanwhile, Sustainable Development Centre, Thamnapokpi, in a statement, said that the incident of Monika should not be allowed to happen in future again.