Gogoi boots AOA secretary Medhi

Guwahati, Jan 25 (UNI) Chief Minister and President of Asom Olympic Association (AOA) Tarun Gogoi has asked the AOA General Secretary Mukut Medhi for his ''anti-Games activities'.

The ouster came after Mr Medhi voiced concern about the safety of the participants and capability of the security forces to maintain peace during games in view of ULFA's open threat to National Games.

Barely a fortnight before the National Games is officially opened, Mr Medhi on the previous day had exposed the lacunae of the Games preparedness. He told a news conference that Asom was not ready for Games as equipment for 10 disciplines had not yet arrived.

This has been taken very seriously by the Asom Government as well as Asom Olympic Association (AOA) and last night the Chief Minister stripped Mr Medhi from all power and responsibility of the Games.

Mr Medhi has been accused of spreading terror amongst the sporting community.

''I was asked by fellow sporting officials whether I could take guarantee for all the athletes who are coming to the Games. I said I can not because I myself is under threat and moving around with the security'' he said.

This remark has angered both Asom Government as well as Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which has termed it as very unfortunate.

''We will manage whatever last minute gaps are there'' said Mr Gogoi.

UNI