Jeakson Singh Reveals Why He Raised Manipur Flag After SAFF Championship Win

India defeated Kuwait 5-4 in a shootout in the final on Tuesday (July 4) night at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, where the Blue Tigers lifted their 9th SAFF Championship title. And during the celebrations, Jeakson sporting a multi-colored flag caught a lot of attention.

The midfielder had clarified that flag he wore is the Manipur flag and sported it to call for peace in his state, which has been in turmoil since May with a lot of violence.

“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 two months now and still fight is going on,” he told ESPN. But, still some fans questioned his use of the flag, while some backed the midfielder.

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 pic.twitter.com/d1dvLj9sNn

— Siam Boy (@Aamtolzo) July 4, 2023

Jeakson Singh bring out the Meitei salai target flag to draw attention towards his home State #Manipur which has been burning since 2 months.

I see some Kukis trying to troll and harrass Jeakson for not bringing up Indian flag. How low they can go further?#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/gHTnYSHD0y

— SG (@sgtweeets) July 4, 2023

As he continued to receive more criticism, the midfielder took to social media to clarify his use of the flag in the celebration and said he never intended to hurt the sentiments of anyone, dedicating the win “to all the Indians.”

“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.

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. pic.twitter.com/fuL8TE8dU4

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

“I hope that peace returns to my home state of Manipur. Thank you to the fans for coming out and supporting the team tonight!” he posted in another tweet with hash tags of Save Manipur as well as Peace and Love.

I hope that peace returns to my home state of Manipur.

Thank you to the fans for coming out and supporting the team tonight! #SaveManipur #PeaceAndLove #india #saffchampion2023

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

There has been violence in Manipur for over two months now, with over 120 people killed, and more than 300 injured, while thousands have been displaced. The cause for the tensions to increase is believed to be the ethnic clash between the Meitei community and the Kukis.