The Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports has lodged a formal FIR against AMFA at Imphal Police Station for allegedly misusing a public place and defying the sanctity of the sports field/turf in the name of observation of Patriots Day, a state function.
YAS director T Phulen Meitei in a complaint to officer-in charge of Imphal Police Station has pointed out that the All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) has organised a rock concert under the theme of ‘Athouba Singda Katchaba’ at Khuman Lampak Turf Ground on Tuesday without taking prior approval from the competent authorities including YAS department.
It stated that the unceremonious event is a challenge to the peace, tranquility, causing noise pollution and other relevant law of the land as most of the gathering/attendees were under the influence of alcohol and thereby creating ruckus. “The act of AMFA is a slap in the face of our fallen heroes and hurts the sentiments of the people of Manipur,” it stated.
Earlier in the day, YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam warned of strong consequences who defy the sanctity of the sports field/turf including lodging of an FIR against the defaulters. The statement from Govindas Konthoujam came after the rock concert was held in Khuman Lampak Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong while celebrating 133rd Patriots Day observation.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of flagging of the Har Ghar Tiranga run for sportspersons at Khuman Lampak, Govindas Konthoujam said, “Those people who are involved in such petty dealing needs to be booked for desecrating the spirit of sportsmanship and lowering the dignity of game.”
As per visuals circulated in social media, youngsters were seen climbing to the concert platform with frenzied dancing and young girls were seen performing dances in a lewd manner at the turf, presenting a scot free look.
Coming back to the sportspersons run, YAS Minister added, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was held to remember the sacrifices of the heroes of the country and also to instill nationalism in the youths of tomorrow particularly in view of the Independence Day celebration.
Padmashree N Kunjarani Devi, YAS director T Phulen Meitei, principal, National Sports Academy and coaches of various disciplines took part on the occasion. The run by sportspersons whizzed through Dingku Road, Thangmeiband, North AOC and converged at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.
