MSF, committee decry
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 27 2014 :
Strongly condemning the alleged molestation of five sports trainees of SAI Takyelpat by their coach Okram Chaoba, Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) and the Co-ordinating Committee NH-37 have demanded the SAI authority to take action against the coach at the earliest.
In a press statement, MSF said that Manipur is known as the sports powerhouse of the country and many sports persons of the State have brought laurels to this tiny State.
It is unfortunate to indulge in such immoral activities by a coach who ought to produce many champions, the press statement said.
As such, instead condoning the coach, SAI authority must take stringent action against the coach at the earliest, MSF demanded.
The Co-ordinating Committee NH-37 has also strongly condemned the alleged molestation and sexual harassment on five female students of the SAI training centre, Takyel, and demanded a befitting punishment to the accused athletics teacher, Okram Chaoba.
Speaking to reporters in Tera Bazaar, Secretary of Co-ordinating Committee, Hidangmayum Manosh, asserted that Manipur is known for its major contribution in the field of sports and has come to the extent of great recognition that the Central Government had declared to set up a Sports University.
However, to sexually harass, molest and assault the students by a teacher is a horrifying threat.
Such acts amount to nipping the career of aspiring students.
H Manosh added that the Committee visited the SAI Sports training Complex to discuss the matter.
However, on their arrival, the warden of the training centre said that the matter has been settled and would not like the Civil Society Organisation to intervene.
Condemning the statement of the warden, he added that the matter cannot be termed as settled unless necessary steps are taken against the accused Okram Chaoba.
When enquired about the five victims, the warden told the Committee members that all the students were in the training centre but one student had gone home.
The Co-ordinating Committee then visited the student at her home and when asked, she stated that she was molested by Okram Chaoba.