SAFF Championship: Manipuri Footballer Draping Meitei Flag Sparked Controversy

NEW DELHI: After draping his community's flag during the Tuesday medal ceremony of the SAFF Championships 2023, an Indian football player from the violent state of Manipur instigated a controversy. Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, 22, came under criticism for covering his team jersey with the multicoloured flag while India defeated Kuwait in the championship game.

The football player was spotted wearing the Salai Taret flag, also known as the Kangleipak flag, which is a seven-colored banner that symbolises the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnic group that once lived in Manipur.

The seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnic group, which has strong historical origins in Manipur, are represented by the Meitei flag, also known as the Flag of Kangleipak or the Salai Taret flag. It has significant meaning for the neighbourhood. As a result of the recent spate of violent incidents between the Meitei and Kuki populations in Manipur, Jeakson Singh's actions have generated criticism. Discussions regarding professionalism, nationalism, and freedom of speech have been sparked by the football player's decision to fly the flag during an international event.

Despite Jeakson Singh's actions being deemed "unprofessional" by some social media users and accused of encouraging secessionist sentiments by others, others praised him for having the fortitude to bring attention to the problems afflicting his state. In reaction to criticism, Jeakson Singh made it clear that his goal was to raise awareness of Manipur's situation and urge the establishment of peace. He used the gesture to draw attention to the ongoing violence and to demand an end to it.

Taking on Twitter Jeakson wrote, “Dear Fans, By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently.

This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians.”

Since May, violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has erupted in the northeastern state of Manipur, leaving more than 80 people dead. Migrants number in the thousands.

The conflict started in May when the Meitei villages, which have a large Hindu population, and the Kuki ethnic tribe fought over social, political, and economic benefits. A little more than half of the state's population is Meitei, and the majority-Christian Kuki make approximately 16% of the population as per reports. 

After a march was organised in opposition to the proposal for the Meitei group to be classified as a Scheduled Tribe, which would entitle them to state benefits, skirmishes first broke out.

Also Read: India defeat Kuwait to lift SAFF title: Gurpreet became hero with India's victory

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