Manipuri Footballer Sparks Controversy by Donning Meitei Flag at SAFF Victory Ceremony
Manipuri footballer Jeakson Singh has stirred up controversy after wrapping himself in a Meitei flag during the victory ceremony of the SAFF Championship 2023 held in Bengaluru. The act comes amidst the ongoing unrest in Manipur, which has now completed two months since it was triggered on May 3.
Singh, a prominent player in the Indian football team, chose to wear the multi-colored Flag of Kangleipak or Salai Taret flag while receiving his medal after India’s win against Kuwait in the SAFF Championship finals. The seven-colored flag represents the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity of ancient Kangleipak.
However, Singh’s gesture has met with mixed reactions. Many Twitter users criticized him, considering it unprofessional and demanded action against him. Some questioned his decision to display a secessionist flag in an international tournament, stating that it should be reserved for regional or state-level competitions.
On the other hand, there were also supporters of Singh who commended his act as a way to draw attention to the ongoing troubles in Manipur. They argued that there is no need to create an issue around it and that the footballer’s message should be taken into account.
Clarifying his intentions, Singh stated that he did not mean to hurt anyone’s sentiments and simply wanted to highlight the prevailing situation in Manipur. He expressed hope for peace to be restored in the state soon.
The unrest in Manipur began on May 3 amid clashes during a Tribal Solidarity March organized by the All India Tribal Students Union. The march aimed to protest against the demand of the Metei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.
It is essential to approach this development with a balanced view, considering different perspectives and opinions. While some perceive Singh’s action as unprofessional and inappropriate for an international tournament, others see it as a means to raise awareness about the ongoing issues in Manipur. Ultimately, it is crucial to respect individual sentiments and strive for peace and resolution in the state.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.
