In Manipur, train sans police escort and you’ll land behind bars

RK Sanahal Singh, a senior shooter and member of the Manipur Rifle Association (MRA), explains how right from procuring arms and ammunition, shooters are struggling to keep their passion alive.

“Due to unrest in the state, it has become difficult to pursue the discipline. At the shooting ranges no one can fire without police escort. If you do, you will land behind bars,” said Sanahal. He was a participant in the men’s 50m prone event at the nationals.

Says the shooter that, many a time, the police doesn’t send an escort at the two ranges in Imphal, which are the two venues in the state where facilities exist for training. The ranges also don’t have modern facilities.

Recently in preparation for the nationals, MRA’s secretary M Rachandra Singh— who happens to be the top official in the state police department (wireless) — supported the shooting squad (small arms including .22 rifle) by sending his personal escort to the ranges to make it possible for shooters to train. “We could manage some training sessions, but we need to work harder,” said Sanahal.

But the best part of the squad from the North Eastern state is that despite the hardship, shooters are optimistic of a good future. From among the 80 shooters who train in Imphal, N Saini Devi has made it to the junior national squad. Recently, she also represented the country in the rifle event at the Asian Shooting Championships.

“She (Saini Devi) has inspired other shooters. Hope other shooters are able to make a mark in the near future,” said Sudesh, who participated in men’s junior air rifle competition.

Besides training facilities, weapons and good coaches are also missing. “Shooting is different from other sports. Without proper equipment it is hard to excel at the nationals,” said Sanahal, who is an engineer by profession, and is employed by the state government.

Currently, the state association has 20 air weapons including ten air pistols. It also has seven .22 rifles and six .22 pistols, including standard and free pistols. But the aspiring shooters far outnumber the weapons. However, Sudesh is lucky to have his own weapon. That he acquired recently. “It is a bit expensive, but I am happy,” said Sudesh.

The officials of the state association have recently sent a proposal to the state government to import more weapons to the state government. The government has given assurance.

“Hope things will improve when there are more weapons for training,” added Sudesh.