Laishram Sarita Devi, the former World Champion boxer (lightweight category) from Manipur and an Arjuna Awardee has again been forced to fight a battle which she did in her boxing career. This time, the 41-year-old boxer is fighting against jeopardy created due to the ongoing violence in Manipur. The violence turned severe almost throughout the state courtesy of the political clash between the two most popular tribes in the state Meiteis and Kuki and Nagas. The central government has already increased the deployment of central forces to tackle the situation. Even shoot-at-sight order has been issued to control the escalation of the violence. 

Sarita Devi, amidst the dreadful situation, has been caring for around 65 students at her academy which is also situated in Mayang, around 20 kilometers from the capital Imphal. The students who are not residents of her academy have been forced to stay as the transport system is completely collapsed. Even, families of the coaches who train there have been called up by Sarita to stay in her academy. 

Speaking from her home in Mayang, the silver medalist in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games said, "The situation is terrific although Mayang has not been affected to that extent. But as the roads are blocked, the transport system is collapsed, and the shops and offices are completely shut, I am looking after the students and some family members of the coaches whom I asked to come from their respective districts. The situation was grave in other districts. Now it seems improving. I am supplying the food and other logistics to those who are staying in the academy hostel. There are around 80 heads including 65 students. I had stored these essential commodities fortunately and these are being used now. But I do not know how long I will be able to carry on."

Another key reason behind Sarita's anxiety is about her boys' participation in the forthcoming Youth National championship, scheduled to start in Gangtok on 17th May. She added, "I do not know whether the violence will come down by that time. Otherwise, I cannot send the boys, and their hard work for the last couple of years will go in vain. I am trying to convince BFI if my academy boys are considered if they reach Gangtok after the scheduled date." 

Sarita sounded relieved only on one issue when she uttered, "I have a student who is from Kuki tribes. He had gone back home much before this violence started. While talking over the phone he assured me he would continue boxing, not involve in this political fight which is being instigated by some political hooligans only. Otherwise, the common men always want peace."