A viral video shared by students of the Rajasthan school contingent has triggered concern after they alleged being held at gunpoint and extorted while returning from the 69th National School Games Championship in Manipur, even as officials have called for a detailed verification of the claims.
The Rajasthan contingent travelled thousands of kilometres from the north-western desert region to Manipur’s capital Imphal to participate in the national-level school sports event. The girls’ team won the championship trophy, the boys finished runners-up, and Rajasthan secured second position overall.
Allegations in viral video
In the video message circulating on social media, students and an accompanying adult said they were stopped for nearly two hours at gunpoint while travelling by road from Dimapur to Imphal and were forced to pay extortion money. The speaker alleged that “armed Kukis” were involved.
The students also highlighted poor travel arrangements, claiming that many of them did not have confirmed train tickets and had to travel on shared seats during the long journey. “Despite these difficulties, our students performed exceptionally well,” the speaker said.
Officials urge caution
A Rajasthan team official told NDTV that at least one student had flown to Imphal, suggesting the issue may involve grievances over travel planning rather than only highway extortion.
Kuki organisations strongly denied the allegations. An unsigned statement attributed to the Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) described the claims as fabricated and questioned why no police complaint had been filed if such a serious incident had occurred.
Manipur government orders probe
Following the viral video, the Manipur Government ordered the police to verify the allegations and take appropriate legal action. The Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports, operating under President’s Rule, directed police headquarters to coordinate with personnel in Senapati and Kangpokpi districts.
A police team has begun preliminary inquiries, but officials noted that the Rajasthan contingent left Manipur without lodging a formal complaint, complicating the investigation.
Travel details and ongoing games
Coach Sohanram said the team left Rajasthan on January 11, travelled via Delhi to Dimapur by train, and then proceeded by road to Imphal, where the alleged incident occurred. The championship control room officer confirmed that inquiries have started.
The issue has raised concerns as Imphal continues to host teams from across India at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, underlining the need for safe travel arrangements for young athletes.