A professional Metei footballer from Manipur, Jeakson Singh created a stir when he was seen walking up to the podium wrapped in a Salai Taret flag of Sanamahi Meitei religion over his jersey to receive his medal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The seven coloured flag represents the seven clans or salai of the ancient Manipur which they hold as sacred.
Jeakson Singh, the defence midfielder from Thoubal District was receiving the winning medal in SAFF Championship 2023 final where India defeated Kuwait 5-4 in penalties after the match had ended 1-1 on Tuesday.
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The draping of the Salai Taret flag stirred controversy in the internet because the flag has been seen used by sections of the valley people in perpetrating violence in the prevailing ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meetei/Meitei communities in Manipur — A viral video that has long gone viral shows men waving the controversial flag on top of a burning church in the capital Imphal.
On top of that, many keypad warriors have questioned the footballer’s intent saying the Meitei seven coloured flag is in itself a secessionist symbol of the Meitei nationalism movement while the footballer represents India in a national football event.
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His draping of the Meitei flag created so much row that Jeakson Singh had to issue a statement on Twitter the same intervening night of the Championship final day.
“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, Jeakson tweeted.
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“Last night’s victory was a collective effort of the team and our passionate supporters! Let’s try to repeat this on Tuesday!” he further tweeted.
In the wake of the controversy, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) weighed in issuing an official statement that it is not going to take the issue forward since Jeakson Singh issued a personal statement.
