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By Anirban Sinha Roy: Even as it has been over a week since violent clashes broke out in Manipur, peace is yet to be fully restored in the state. Besides affecting life in general, the clashes have proved to be career-threatening for two young footballers from the region who have represented India on the international stage.
Konsham Chinglensana Singh and Thongkosiem Semboi Haokip, who once donned the blue jersey together, are now struggling to sustain their families during these testing times.
The clashes were triggered in the northeastern state by a high court order asking the Manipur government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community, who form 53 per cent population of the state, in the Scheduled Tribes list. On May 3, clashes broke out after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts, involving the Kuki community, to protest against a high court order.
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The violence that ensued has cost at least 60 lives, with over 200 injured and thousands displaced. Kukis living in the Meitei-dominated areas were forced to leave their homes and so has been the case on the other side.
Chinglensana Singh, a Meitei, lived in a Kuki locality. Semboi Haokip, a Kuki, lived in a Meitei-dominated locality. The violence has forced both players to leave their native places and seek shelter in rented accommodations.
Chinglensana Singh, who plays for Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League, got the news about clashes in Manipur while he was with his team. He said he found it difficult to reach home.
Chinglensana Singh said he was supposed to join an Indian national football team camp on May 15. But due to the violence back home, he had to make a tough choice to stay back.
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As per the All India Football Federation, Singh has discussed his problem with Head Coach Igor Stimac and has communicated that he would be joining the team soon.
Semboi Haokip, who plays for East Bengal FC, has also been out of the game. The violence has forced him to consider leaving the state and stay elsewhere with his family.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for those whose houses were burnt in the violence. But it would take some time before peace prevails in the region so that players like Chinglensana Singh and Semboi Haokip do not have to leave their native places.
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