Heartbreaking to see peaceful Manipur turn into violence-ridden land: Boxing champion Laishram Sarita Devi

Boxing world-champion Laishram Sarita Devi said that the current issue that Manipur has been unfortunately facing is between two particular communities, and not between Meitei Hindus and Christians as it is being portrayed by the national media.

Speaking to DIPR, Sarita Devi said, “It is heartbreaking to witness Manipur which is known for being a harmonious and very peaceful land to the current unfortunate violence-ridden land. Manipur will come into such a sorry state is beyond my wildest dreams. Our lives have been drastically affected and disturbed. As a player, I always dream of Manipur as a drug-free peaceful society for our youths.”

She further stated that it is very unfortunate for the rest of the world to gaze the current issue as a clash between Hindus and Christians or Meitei Hindus against the tribals, and the national media should not portray the course of events like that also.

Sarita said, “It is quite common to have misunderstandings and issues between members of a family, and Manipur’s present scenario should be treated like this. But instead, portraying the issue as of Hindus versus tribals or Meiteis discriminating and torturing the tribals is very unfortunate.”

The world-champion boxer appealed that she earnestly hopes and prays that there will be amends between the two communities and that mutual understanding will come again through dialogues. She also appealed to people from both communities to calm down and hope for peace to prevail and to listen to each other’s grievances.

Laishram Sarita Devi is an Indian boxer from Manipur. She is a national champion and a former world champion in the lightweight class. In 2009, she was awarded Arjuna Award by the government of India for her achievements.