After SAFF win, Manipuri footballer's Meitei flag' at SAFF medal event sparks controversy

NewsBharati    05-Jul-2023 15:56:00 PM
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Jeakson Singh, a footballer from Manipur, a state which is currently engulfed in ethnic violence, created a stir when he was spotted wrapping a multi-colored Meitei flag over his jersey while he was receiving his winners' medal after India defeated Kuwait in the 2023 SAFF Championship final on Tuesday.
 
 
Meitei Manipur Jeakson Singh
 
 
Jeakson Singh is a defensive midfielder in the Indian national football team and hails from Manipur's Thoubal district. He played a pivotal role in helping the country win a record ninth SAFF Championship title.
 
The 22-year-old footballer draped the Flag of Kangleipak (Salai Taret flag), a seven-coloured flag representing the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity of ancient Manipur, as he was collecting his winners' medal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
 
The development came as Manipur has been witnessing violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities for the last two months.
 
The footballer's action triggered an uproar on social media, with some calling him "unprofessional" and "secessionist".
 
Amid the controversy, Jeakson Singh said he had only draped the flag as he wanted peace to return to his home state.
 
Some social media users condemned the Manipuri footballer's act and demanded action against him.
 
"What is Jeakson Singh doing with a secessionist flag. Doesn't he know that this is not a state/regional level competition rather a prestigious International Tournament where he is representing his Nation India. Take action @IndianFootball," said a Twitter user.
 
 
"Jeakson Singh making a political statement during the celebration of India's SAFF win tonight with Salai Taret flag in his shoulder. While we congratulate the team for the win, such action is unprofessional for a footballer representing the nation," said another user.
 
 
Issuing a clarification on social media, Jeakson Singh said that he had only displayed the flag to highlight the violence in Manipur and said he did not want to hurt religious sentiments.
 
 
Violence first broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.