Manipur News

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 14

U-17 FIFA World Cup players of Manipur who attended the cup hosted by India, which began on October 6 at New Delhi arrived back at Imphal today.

When the players arrived at Imphal at 11 am by an Air India Flight, they were warmly received by their families and members of several clubs, organisation. They were garlanded by supporters and well-wishers.

However, the goal keeper of the Indian team, Dheeraj was not amongst them as he and his family would be coming from another flight.

After the players were received by the crowd, they were escorted back to their respected homes by the people.

Meantime when the Indian team captain, Amarjit Kiyam and Jeakson arrived at Thoubal Hoakha, they were warmly welcomed by the residents.

In a ceremony held at the community hall of Thoubal Hoakha, organised by well-wishers, Thoubal district, captain Amarjit and Jeakson expressed their disbelief at the unexpected hospitality, saying it was like a dream.    

They expressed that they will cherish the moment forever, and said they will not let the love and affection shown to them, go to waste. They also expressed unhappiness over the fact that there is not decent play ground in the State for the players.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by MLA, Wangkhem Assembly constituency, K. Meghachandra, president, District Football Association, Thoubal, L. Chandrakshwor, vice president, Shyamo, M. Mani and A. Kesho Kumar.

IMPHAL | Oct 14

The proscribed Kangliepak Communist Party, People’s War Group has claimed responsibility for the mela blast, calling it as an attack against a mela run by ‘foreigners’.

A release signed by secretary, central media co-ordinator, Lenin Meitei said the attack was carried out as a first of its kind against fairs which are now run on pratically every street with the intent of making money through gambling games.

The party said it had put restrictions to Apunba Manipur Mela Lup (AMML) against such fairs which include gambling, it said.

When the party had put forth the restrictions to Mukta Leima, who runs North East Mela Association against holding such fairs that include gambling and suggested an alternative that is based on the indigenous community, she rebuked the leader of the party, chairman Lamyanba Khuman alias Pibarel through a phone call, and invited the organisation to come out in the field instead, it added.

The party expresses heartfelt sorrow for those who were hurt in the blast and said all responsibility should be taken by Mukta Leima and Lukram Leirak Youth Club, adding they should acknowledge their mistakes in the public.

The party is putting restrictions on such melas which include gambling until Apunba Manipur Mela Lup (AMML) creates strict rules and regulations for conducting these fairs.