UNLF lauds Mary Kom, Olympians
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 14, 2012:
The proscribed UNLF has congratulated MC Mary Kom for winning a bronze medal in the London Olympic Games as well as Devendra, Bombayla Devi, Soniya Chanu, Kothajit for their remarkable performances.
A press release issued by the outfit's senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba said that all these Olympians from Manipur tell poignant stories of individual struggle.
In the face of the Government of India's narrow politics which is aimed at suppressing and keeping out all sports persons of Manipur from international competitions, these Olympians who are born to poor families had to struggle long and hard even though their families could not afford nutritious food required for a sports person.
When the Government of India cannots uppress the Manipuri sports persons any more, they are touted as the pride of India or medal hopefuls.
Denial of accreditation to Mary Kom's coach Atkinson and prevention of the coach from entering the boxing arena was manifestation of the Government of India's corrupt politics, it alleged.
Nonetheless, Mary Kom and Devendra, after overcoming all the suppressive politics of New Delhi, demonstrated before the whole world the indomitable spirit of the Manipuri Nation through their stupendpus performances in the ring.
Even though Manipuri people were known for their martial skills and spirit who would never yield to any adversary, the Manipuri Nation has degraded to the status of being spiritless on account of being an 'occupied territory' of India for the last many decades, it alleged.
Had the Manipuri Olympians grown up in a free country, there are many Manipuri youngsters in both the hills and valley of the State who have potential to win gold medals in Olympic Games.
But in the absence of any institutional support, many of the youngsters have taken to drugs while many others are living wretched, empty lives.
Yet, the achievements and exploits of Mary Kom, Devendro, Bombayla, Soniya and Kothajit would certainly infuse new courage and determination on the present generation, the outfit asserted.