‘Will Return Awards If Peace Is Not Restored In Manipur:’ Mirabai Chanu, 10 Other Top Athletes To Centre

By OB Bureau On May 30, 2023

Mirabai Chanu tokyo olympics silver — Picture courtesy Twitter

New Delhi: While protesting wrestlers in the capital have threatened to immerse their medals in the river, eleven sports personalities from Manipur, including Olympians, have written to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to find a solution to the ongoing crisis in the state. Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu is among those who have signed the letter and warned they would return their awards and medals if “peace and normalcy” are not restored at the earliest.

The signatories of the letter – Padma Award winner weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, former Indian woman football team captain Bem Bem Devi and Boxer L Sarita Devi among others- have also demanded the unblocking of the National Highway-2.

“The National Highway-2 has been blocked for weeks at several locations resulting in price rise of essential commodities… So, kindly unblock the highway at the earliest,” is one of the eight demands mentioned in the letter.

Home Minister Amit Shah, who is on a four-day visit to Manipur had consultations with various stakeholders, including cabinet ministers and civil society organisations to bring lasting peace to the violence-hit state. Shah met Chief Minister N Biren Singh, some cabinet ministers, officials and a few political leaders.