Mizo Football Assn writes to All India Football Federation

 To

The President

All India Football Federation

Subject: Unravelling the truth beneath the Flag

Respected Sir,

I am deeply sorry to tell you that the action of Jeakson Singh following the conclusion of the SAFF Championships in Bengaluru on Tuesday have outraged millions of football fans in northeast India and around the world.

Jeakson Singh had a multi-coloured flag wrapped over his jersey, which is the flag of Kangleipak, a seven-coloured flag representing the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity which he belongs.

Numerous tribes in the northern states and around the world were highly offended by his conduct, mostly because the flag represents solidarity among the majority of Manipur's Meitei clans.

The cruelty of what the people did while operating under the same flag that Jeakson Singh demonstrated during the medal ceremony is beyond words.

They even raised the flag atop the burned-out church of the tribal people.

His motive was clear by wrapping the flag at the ceremony.

He later apologised and stated that his intention was to advance peace after receiving so much negative feedback on social media.

If his goal was to foster peace and harmony, he could have done in a more respectable way that wouldn't have offended other communities.

Sportspersons have frequently attempted to promote their propaganda to a bigger audience during a live television broadcast and many athletes have been reprimanded for their actions on countless occasions.

Let me tell you one example. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was fined by the Football Association (FA) and warned over his future conduct after wearing a yellow ribbon supporting political prisoners in his native Catalonia.

Likewise, It is also obvious that Jeakson Singh attempted to utilise the Meitei flag to further Meitei propaganda, which is offensive to the thousands of tribal people that live across the globe.

You may be aware that during the ethnic violence, the home of India Under 17 team forward Thanglalsoun Gangte was burned down, and his uncle was also killed while Thanglalsoun Gangte was away in Europe playing for India. Thanglalsoun, like many other displaced persons, has nowhere to go home and is seeking refuge in Mizoram.

While these events are taking place, Jeakson Singh's actions cannot be understood as he belongs to the majority Meitei clan, his motive was clear, and his claim should not be believed under any circumstances.

As a result, I ask the All India Football Federation to bar Jeakson Singh from performing his national duty because sports should foster peace rather than hostility.

While his behaviour was highly deplorable, the failure to take action against him is far worse. In other words, the All India Football Federation both encourages and permits hostility.

Yours Sincerely,

JOSEPH LALRINTLUANGA

Executive Committee Member

Mizoram Football Association

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