New Delhi: Manipur’s police chief has urged young people “misguided” into anti-social activities amid ethnic strife in the state to channelise their energy into “constructive and positive” pursuits such as sports.
Speaking in the state capital Thursday at the inauguration of a sports tournament under Manipur Police’s ‘Catch Them Young’ initiative, Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh said the youth had borne the brunt of the ethnic clashes that erupted in May 2023.
“DGP highlighted that Manipur Police has always been keen in promoting sports personalities which could be seen from the huge contingent of sports players in the Manipur Police with more than 400 players of different games and sports,” Manipur Police said in a statement.
The statement said globally renowned players such as Mary Kom, Sarita Laishram, Mirabai Chanu, Bala Devi and Sarjubala Devi have been proud members of the Manipur Police.
“In a strong appeal to misguided youths who have become anti-social, the DGP urged them to embrace sports instead, channeling their energy towards constructive and positive endeavours. He reiterated that sports provide an alternative path—one that fosters discipline, teamwork, and a sense of purpose—leading to a brighter future for both individuals and society,” the state police added.
The DGP’s appeal to youth to join sports coincided with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s call to people across communities to surrender weapons and ammunition looted from security forces in the state.
ThePrint earlier reported that there had been no substantial recoveries with over 5,682 weapons looted over the past two years from police armouries and stations, primarily in the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley.
The looted weapons include more than 200 AK-47s, 406 carbines, 551 INSAS rifles and 250 machine guns, besides over 6.5 lakh rounds of ammunition.
Promising no punitive measures, Governor Bhalla urged people from both valley and hills to surrender weapons and ammunition within seven days.
These developments follow the resignation of N. Biren Singh as the state’s chief minister and the Centre’s imposition of President’s Rule, assuming control of all state government functions except the legislature.
(Edited by Sugita Katyal)
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