BJP, MPP bat for Santa, Devendro
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 02 2014 :
Extending solidarity to L Sarita who lost her semi-final match controverisally to South Korean Jina Park at the 17 th Asian Games, State BJP unit president, Th Chaoba today announced that his party will take up the matter with the Centre.
In a statement issued to the press the State BJP president also urged the State Government to treat Sarita and Devendro in the same manner that gold medal winners are acknowledged.
The State BJP unit also congratulated all the medal winners of the Indian contingent in general and those athletes from Manipur in particular.
Th Chaoba said the BJP is extremely proud of pugilists MC Mary Kom, Laishram Sarita and Laishram Devendro for their splendid showing and courageous spirit at the.
On the other hand, Manipur People's Party (MPP) said L Sarita was insulted at the Asian Games.
Speaking to reporters MPP president N Sovakiran said that pugilists L Sarita and L Devendra lost their bouts at the Asian Games under dubious circumstances against their South Korean opponents.
This has led the public to question officials of the Indian Olympic Association (IOC) on whether they are enjoying a picnic at Incheon, he said, adding MPP has taken serious note of the cases of Sarita and Devendro.
Sovakiran said the Government of Manipur should honour Sarita and Devendro like other gold medallists of the 17th Asian Games since they were robbed of the chance to progress.
Questioning the silence of Indian officials when Sarita was thus victimized, Sovakiran said that the incident would evoke a country-wide uproar if Sarita hailed from any big State of India.
The culture of corruption has now spread to boxing arena.
Still the three MPs elected from Manipur see no reason to take up the issue.
MPP would see what they would do for the players of Manipur.
Sarita's case should not viewed lightly, he asserted.
Laishram Sarita should be honoured like a gold medal winner as soon as she lands in India and Manipur, he added.