Monika's threatened road to Beijing
AMADA threatens stir, many decry
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 07: The All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (AMADA) has warned to launch strong protest movements in case the Union Government refuses to send L Monika to Beijing Olympics.

Observing that denying Monika to participate in Beijing Olympics based on alleged unofficial dope test is highly despairing, AMADA maintained that it cannot accept such dealings.

Students, activists and sportspersons taking out a rally to protest the last minute exclusion of L Monika from the squad

Talking to media persons today AMADA sports secretary Thounaojam Roshan also condemned the conduct of security forces during the protest rally taken out under the joint aegis of Manipur Olympic Association, Manipur Weightlifting Association and AMADA against excluding Monika from the India contingent to Beijing.

Keeping in view of the Indian Olympic Association's and Indian Weightlifting Federation's efforts to send Monika to Beijing Olympics and also considering Chief Minister O Ibobi's official letter to the Union Minister of Sports MS Gill on the same issue.

AMADA has been suspending agitation on the issue Roshan disclosed.

Taking part in the press meet Monika's elder sister Sumila expressed gratitude to all those protesting for Monika's sake.

She further called upon all struggle further for the sake of justice.

On the other hand, taking strong exception to leaving out L Monika from Beijing Olympics, a public meeting was organised by AMSU and DESAM at Manipur Press Club here today.

Addressing the meeting, secretary of Manipur Hockey Association Th Manihar alleged that the dope test conducted on Monika irrational.

He contended that there is a need to re-examine Monika again.

Manipur Olympic Association president E Binoykumar observed that the case of Monika is a very heart-rending one.

The incident has caused great discouragement to the people and sports persons of Manipur, he noted while asserting that the people of Manipur should not accept such act.

All Manipur Body Building Association general secretary S Thambal also decried the alleged reluctance of Central Government authorities to send Manipuri players to international level competitions.

Because of such practices, Manipuri players are more desirous to play for Manipur independently instead of representing India, he claimed.

During the meeting, many organisations including AMSU and DESAM strongly condemned the act of leaving out L Monika from Beijing Olympics.

Meanwhile the Manipuri Students Federation (MSF) has strongly urged upon the authorities concerned to look into the matter of denying weight-lifter L Monika from participating in Beijing Olympics on the ground of testing positive in a dope test.

Others who condemned the act of leaving out Monika from Beijing Olympics based on dubious dope test include Kangleipak Students' Association, MAFYF, All India Youth Federation, AISF Manipur State Council, Manipur Tug-of-War Association, CADA, United Clubs Organisation, Nambol, MEELAL, Man League Manipur, Thangmeiband Uripok Club Organisation, United Manipuri Mothers' Association, Centre for Social Development, North East Dialogue Forum, Women Action for Development, CLK, Kanglei Apunba Ima Yaipha Lup, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union, Meitei Mayek 36 Shandokpa Luplel, United NGOs Manipur, Social Educational Welfare Athletics Club, Nachou etc.

Further, many social organisations, sports lovers and sports persons of Nambol area staged a protest sitting against denying Monika participating in Beijing Olympics at Nambol Bazar.

The All Manipur Nupi Marup and the Meeyam Amata Oina Punsinba Lup, Langol have also joined the condemnation chorus against dropping Monika from Beijing Olympics.