Manipur seeks police action as extortion claims hit 69th National School Games

Imphal, Jan 19: The controversy surrounding the 69th National School Games in Imphal deepened on Monday after Manipur’s Director of Youth Affairs and Sports sought police action to verify allegations of extortion on the Dimapur–Imphal route.

In an official communication dated January 19, Dr Veto Singh wrote to the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, requesting immediate verification of the claims and legal action if the allegations were found to be true.

The video in question was reportedly uploaded by members of the Rajasthan contingent who participated in the 69th National School Games Championship at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.

“I am to request you to kindly take up necessary action to verify the information and take up necessary legal action on the same that is currently circulated on social media… about some extortion activities reported in the clip about taking money on the way from Dimapur to Imphal,” the communication stated.

It also called for coordination with police in Senapati and Kangpokpi districts, through which the route passes, to verify the alleged incident.

Meanwhile, a Championships Control Room official, K Daivish, said a police team visited the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex on Monday morning and initiated inquiries.

However, he added that the Rajasthan contingent had already left Manipur without lodging any formal complaint, limiting the scope for further action based solely on the viral video.

The controversy erupted after the Rajasthan team alleged that its members were subjected to extortion while travelling to Manipur for the national-level event.

The video that was upload on social media.

According to the contingent, the incident occurred on the night of December 11, when the team was allegedly stopped on a highway for nearly two hours and pressured to pay money by suspected extortionists, creating panic among the players and officials.

“While coming here, some Kuki militants held our students at gunpoint for two hours and extorted money. But still they came here, played well and won medals,” a parent of a Rajasthan Wushu player claimed in the video that later went viral.

The contingent also alleged lapses in post-event arrangements, claiming that return tickets were not arranged or were unavailable, leaving several participants uncertain about their journey home even after approaching the authorities.

However, the National Games Championship Control Room said it had received no complaint regarding extortion or travel issues during the course of the championship.

Officials stated that they became aware of the allegations only after the video surfaced on social media on January 18, shortly before the Rajasthan team departed Imphal.

The episode has drawn criticism, particularly as Manipur hosted a national school-level sporting event where participant safety, secure movement and proper logistics are expected to be guaranteed by organisers and the administration.

The 69th National School Games concluded on January 18.