NEW DELHI: Olympic silver medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu made an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, urging him to swiftly resolve the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in her home state of Manipur.
The ethnic clashes, which began on May 3, have resulted in the loss of over 150 lives.
Chanu, who is currently training in the USA, expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on athletes in Manipur. Due to the prevailing situation, athletes have been unable to train, adding further difficulties to their preparations.
The weightlifter's plea to the Prime Minister highlights the need for immediate intervention to bring peace and stability to Manipur.
Resolving the conflict is crucial not only for the well-being of the affected communities but also for the athletes who are striving to represent the nation in international competitions.
"The conflict in Manipur is going to complete three months but peace is yet to return. Many players have not been able to train because of this conflict and there has been disturbance in the study of students. Many lives have been lost and many houses have been burnt down," Chanu said in a video uploaded on her Twitter handle.
"I want to appeal to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to bring an end to this conflict as soon as possible and save all the people of Manipur and bring back the peace which was prevalent earlier."
Chanu, who won a silver medal in 49kg weight category in Tokyo Olympics, said she could not stop herself from thinking about the situation in her home state despite staying far away from there.
"I have my house in Manipur though I am currently training in the USA to prepare for the upcoming World Championships and Asian Games. Even though I am not in Manipur, I always thought about when this conflict will end," he said.
The ethnic clashes broke out in the state on May 3, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.
(With PTI inputs)
