Union MoS for YAS inspects Yaithibi Loukon Twenty hurt in police crack down
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 04 2016: At least 20 persons were injured when police cracked down on a group of people who were protesting the Government's plan to set up a National Sports University at Yaithibi Loukon.

Notably, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent charge) Vijay Goel, Chief Minister O Ibobi, Wangjing-Tentha AC MLA P Brojen and Chief Secretary O Nabakishore were conducting a field inspection of Yaithibi Loukon when a protest rally was taken out from the direction of Sora at around 9 am.

The protesters marched on demanding an audience with the Chief Minister but they were blocked by police resulting in a tense tussle between the two sides.

A few minutes later, police fired several rounds of tear gas shells in their efforts to drive back the protesters.

In the process, around 20 protesters sustained injuries.

Even though the protesters were driven back, they too retaliated with catapults and a policeman namely Romio was injured as he was hit by a catapult shot.

Union MoS for YAS inspects Yaithibi Loukon Twenty hurt in police crack down

On reaching Yaithibi Loukon, Vijay Goel went around on foot and in vehicle and inspected the area.

He remarked that the area seemed to be a little low-lying but the Chief Minister and MLA Brojen quickly explained the topography of the State to the Union Minister.

They suggested that the Union Minister may visit the NIT complex of Lamphelpat and compare the surface levels.

Earlier, a large number of people belonging to Wangjing-Tentha AC and Khangabok AC lined up along the highway and welcomed the Union MoS.

Meanwhile, the Sports University Demand Committee, Thoubal submitted a memorandum to Vijay Goel through MLA Brojen.

The committee, through their memorandum, urged the Union MoS (YAS) to expedite construction of National Sports University at Yaithibi Loukon.

It also mentioned that shifting the university to another site would result in unending problems.

Later, addressing a public meeting held at Ima Laikhurembi complex under the aegis of BJP Khurai Mandal, Vijay Goel said that an expert committee would be sent soon to survey Koutruk for construction of National Sports University there.

He stated that he and Chief Minister today visited Koutruk and they found that the area would be suitable for construction of the Sports University.

But Yaithibi Loukon is vulnerable to floods.

As Yaithibi Loukon is a low-lying area, several crores of rupees must be invested only for land development.

It would be more practical to construct National Sports University at an alternative site, more suitable for the purpose, he added.

Yaithibi Loukon is not an ideal site for establishment of National Sports University.

Apart from being a low-lying area, there are land disputes, law and order problem and complaints about non-payment of land compensation, he remarked at a press meet held later in the afternoon at the office of BJP Manipur Pradesh.

He stated that the project cannot be pushed ahead until the land disputes are settled.

The project would not be taken up as long as there are objections and controversies.

Moreover, the engineers concerned, construction company and their consultants should take a final decision on the matter.

The Central Government has an intention to make Manipur National Sports University one of the best sports Universities in the world.

For this, the Central Government has already sent a delegation to Australia to take a look at the sports universities established there, informed Vijay Goel.

Keeping in view the 2020, 2024 and 2028 Olympic Games, the Sports Ministry has opened a sports talent search portal.

People can upload videos of talented players to the portal and selected players would be given either scholarship or training.

Acknowledging the fame and laurels brought by Manipuri sports persons for the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to set up a National Sports University in Manipur, Vijay Goel stated.

He then exuded confidence that the National Sports University would go a long way in nurturing young sports persons and honing their talents in different sports disciplines.

Speaking at the public meeting held at Khurai, BJP Manipur Pradesh president K Bhabananda called upon all the people of Manipur to be wary of the State Government's massive recruitment drive which looks like a special drive to amass a huge amount of money for the forthcoming State Assembly election.

If BJP is elected to power, all these recruitment processes would be reviewed and if any procedural lapses are detected, befitting action would be initiated as per the law of the land, he said.

He further pointed out that 4500 regular employees of the State Government were dismissed in the past.

University of Culture set up in the State at the initiative of Chief Minister O Ibobi has turned out to be a 'University of corruption' .

A standard 12-passed individual was allowed to apply for a teacher's post rather than selecting Post Graduate, PhD or NET completed/qualified candidates.

That was why, a student body locked the office of the University of Culture, Bhabananda added.