Rajasthan school Wushu team alleges extortion by Kuki militant group at gun point while returning from Imphal

A serious controversy has emerged from the ongoing 69th National School Games in Imphal, Manipur, after members of the Rajasthan school Wushu team alleged grave security lapses, administrative mismanagement, and extortion by suspected armed militants while returning from Imphal. Despite delivering an award-winning performance, the young athletes claim they were left stranded, humiliated, and forced to rely on their parents to return home safely.

 

According to the team, the Rajasthan contingent comprised 52 participants who travelled to Imphal for the national-level competition. The girls’ team secured first position, while the boys’ team finished second—an achievement that should have been celebrated with dignity and proper logistical support. Instead, the players allege that only 24 train tickets were arranged for their return journey, none of which were confirmed, leaving the rest of the team without assured travel arrangements, claimed one of the Wushu team member.

 

Recounting their ordeal, the winning participants said the lack of confirmed tickets forced them to travel under distressing conditions. They alleged that even the trophies they won had to be carried while sitting near train toilets due to overcrowding and unreserved travel. Questioning the treatment meted out to them, the athletes expressed anguish over what they described as a complete lack of respect for sportspersons who had represented their state with distinction at a national platform.

 

The situation reportedly worsened after the intervention of parents, who had to step in and book premium tickets at their own expense to ensure the safe return of their children. The players questioned why, despite winning medals for Rajasthan, they were denied even the most basic entitlement of travel arrangements covered by the authorities.

 

A parent accompanying the team strongly criticised the authorities, alleging extreme mismanagement by the competent department responsible for overseeing the event. The parent claimed that officials and observers deputed to review arrangements left Imphal without verifying whether the team—particularly the female players—had safely departed for their hometowns.

 

More alarmingly, the parent alleged that during the journey, the team was stopped and threatened at gunpoint by suspected armed Kuki militants, who allegedly demanded money. 

 

The allegations have triggered calls for an immediate inquiry into the conduct of event organisers, the role of supervising authorities, and the adequacy of security and logistical arrangements for school-level national competitions. As of now, there has been no official response from the organising authorities regarding the claims of extortion, mismanagement, or failure to ensure the safe return of the Rajasthan team