India’s Jeakson Singh (orange) in motion towards Kuwait in the course of the remaining soccer match of SAFF Championship 2023 at Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on July 4, 2023.| Photo Credit: PTI

National workforce's Manipuri footballer Jeakson Singh created a flutter on July 4 night time by wrapping himself in a Meitei flag whereas amassing his particular person medal after India beat Kuwait in the final of the SAFF Championship.

The flag Jeakson wrapped himself in, is named Flag of Kangleipak or Salai Taret Flag — an oblong seven-colour flag which represents the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity in historical Manipur.

The North-Eastern State is in turmoil since ethnic clashes broke out between Meitei and Kuki communities in May.

The Meitei group has been demanding its inclusion within the Scheduled Tribe record just like the Kuki group, whose members primarily reside within the hills. The tribal communities have protested the Meitei demand.

The Indian Government needed to deploy navy to revive peace within the area with greater than 100 folks dropping their lives together with mass destruction of private and non-private property.

Jeakson belongs to Meitei clan and his gesture led to widespread criticism with netizens placing up pictures and stills of Salai Taret flag being hoisted after destroying Kuki church buildings.

Also Read | Kukis | Fight for land and identity

The 22-year-old mid-fielder, who turned the primary Indian to attain in a FIFA World Cup within the 2017 version of the U17 match at house, late within the night time backtracked after his symbolic gesture attracted criticism from some quarters.

Jeakson, took to twitter late within the night time and defended himself.

“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,” he tweeted.

Dear Fans,

By celebrating within the flag, I didn't wish to harm the emotions of anybody. I supposed to deliver discover to the problems that my house state, Manipur, is dealing with presently.

This win tonight is devoted to all of the Indians. pic.twitter.com/fuL8TE8dU4

— Jeakson Singh Thounaojam (@JeaksonT) July 4, 2023

Earlier in an interplay with ESPN.in, Jeakson urged folks in his State to take care of peace.

"It's my Manipur flag. I just wanted to tell everyone in India and Manipur to stay in peace and not fight. I want peace. It's been 2 months now and still fighting is going on," Jeakson stated.

"I don't want that kind of thing to happen more and I just want to bring the government's and other people's attention to get peace you know.

"My household is protected however there are lot of households who've suffered and misplaced their house and all. Yeah it is tough now...even for me it is tough to return house now with the scenario...even I do not know what is going on to occur. I hope issues get properly quickly," the talented player added.

When AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey was contacted, he refused to comment on the issue.

The FIFA rules states that no team can use any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images on team equipment.

It must be noted that during Qatar World Cup, FIFA rejected Denmark national team's request for wearing a 'Human Rights for All' logo inscribed on their training jersey as a mark protest against the alleged violation of rights for all those workers who lost their lives while working on stadium construction site over the years.

Even England skipper Harry Kane was not allowed to wear a 'One Love' captain's arm-band in support of LGBTQ community.

Jeakson may not get a sanction from the global body because the Meitei flag isn't part of team equipment.