We have to save our state from violence: Why top athletes from Manipur are threatening to return their awards to the government

On Tuesday morning, I received a phone call from one of Manipur’s National Award-winning sportspersons. Other prominent athletes, too, were on that call and together, we were discussing ways we could help find a solution to the current crisis that has gripped our state.
We brainstormed for a while and it was suggested that those of us who are in Imphal should meet the (Union) Home Miner, who was visiting the state to take stock of the situation. We thought since all of us have contributed so much to the sport, he’d len to us. Ours was a one-point agenda: a request to end violence in Manipur and ensure peace. And if the Government could not make it happen, we would return all our awards.
It pains to even utter these words. This was a decision driven emotions.
For an athlete, there is no bigger honour than to be recognised for your contribution to the sport and the country. So, it’s very difficult for her to return the award or medals. Coincidentally, on the same morning, our wrestlers too decided to throw their medals into the Ganga.
I do not know what’s happening internally with the wrestling protests that Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are leading but the scenes that took place in the streets of Delhi (on May 28) should not have taken place. I even heard they went to watch a cricket match but their tickets were snatched away; that also should not have happened. They have made our country proud and will continue doing so in the future. The government should ensure a peaceful solution to their problem.
Protesting wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia were detained Delhi Police on Sunday after they breached the security cordon while trying to move towards the new Parliament building, where a women’s Mahapanchayat was planned for the day. (Express Photo Amit Mehra)
But our problem is different compared to the wrestlers. They are trying to save their game, we are trying to save our state.
For years, all Manipuris have lived as one big family. Kuki, Naga, Muslim, Hindu…everyone was coexing peacefully together; all 32-33 tribes despite different languages, religions and communities. It reflected the spirit of one Manipur.
But the violence that has been taking place for weeks is highly regrettable. I live in (Imphal) city where the situation is relatively peaceful. But in the hills, things are not good. I haven’t seen it first-hand but have heard enough stories to realise what‘s happening there.
Recently, I heard about an incident where an 80-year-old lady‘s house was burnt; there was another instance where an innocent old man was set on fire. How is this human? How can anyone set another living person on fire? There can’t be so much hatred, can there?
There have been plenty of rumours and speculations on who is behind the violence that’s gripped the state. I do not know what the truth is. All we demand is peace. That’s what we have requested from the central and state governments.
Violence has impacted our everyday lives. Speaking from a sportsperson’s point of view, the training of every athlete has come to a standstill because of the curfew. This is a very crucial period since the Asian Games are scheduled to be held in September-October and the selection trials are underway in many sports.
There are few sports in which a Manipuri athlete won’t be representing India at the Asiad, such is the pedigree of our state. But the participation of the athletes remains uncertain due to the prevailing situation. In football, we soon have the National Championship and it’s getting tougher the day for us to put together a team. And because of the internet shutdown, our day-to-day work is getting impacted. I am the head of scouting for the All India Football Federation and because there is no internet, I am not able to discharge my role. I can’t even access my emails!
I get emotional talking about the situation. But if, because of the violence, our young athletes are not getting a chance to play; if it affects the participation of Manipuri athletes in the Asian Games, and continues to impact the lives of every Manipuri, then the only option left for us was to request the government and if needed, return our awards. We are thinking about everyone, not just ourselves. The government recognised us with the award, but if they aren’t helping Manipur in its hour of need, then what will we do with these awards? If everyone dies, then what will we do with this?
The Home Miner promised us a quick resolution, told us not to worry and assured us he will try everything from his end to stop the violence. He has given us confidence and said when he returns after 10 days, the situation will be peaceful again.

We hope that happens, else we will be forced to take the drastic step and return our awards. It will be painful, especially because in football, it’s rare to get national awards. If I lose this, my life will be pointless. But we have to do it, because we have to save our state.
Oinam Bembem Devi is a former India football captain who has won the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. She spoke to Mihir Vasavda.
Former India football captain Oinam Bembem Devi is one of the dozen athletes from Manipur who has vowed to return medals if peace is not restored soon in the state. Other top athletes include weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, boxers Sarita Devi and L Ibomcha Singh and judoka Shushila Devi Likmabam. On Tuesday, these athletes submitted a memorandum to Home Miner Amit Shah, who was on a visit to Manipur, and demanded that peace be restored immediately in the state. However, Tokyo Olympics silver medall Mirabai Chanu told The Indian Express that contrary to the reports, she has not threatened to return the awards but demanded an end to violence in her state.