Ashok Gehlot Raises Alarm Over Reports of Rajasthan School Team Held at Gunpoint in Manipur

Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday expressed serious concern over reports claiming that a school team from Rajasthan, participating in the National School Games in Manipur, was allegedly held at gunpoint and robbed.

Describing the reports as “extremely distressing and worrying,” Mr. Gehlot said videos purportedly showing the children and their family members in distress had surfaced on social media platforms. He emphasised that any incident involving minors was a matter of grave concern and warranted immediate attention.

Questioning the response of the State authorities, Mr. Gehlot asked what steps had been taken by the Rajasthan government and the sports department to ensure the safety of the students. He demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and called for stronger security arrangements for teams travelling from Rajasthan to other States in the future.

Referring to the prolonged unrest in Manipur, Mr. Gehlot said the State has been facing violence and instability for nearly two years and is currently under President’s Rule, making the Centre fully responsible for maintaining law and order.

He alleged that despite the prevailing situation, adequate attention was not being paid to ensuring safety and security, particularly for visiting teams and civilians. The reported incident, he said, highlights the urgent need for enhanced coordination and protective measures for students participating in national-level events.