Video of Men Playing Football in Manipur with Assault Rifles Goes Viral
The Disturbing Display of Assault Rifles at a Football Match in Manipur
In a shocking turn of events, a video of a football match in Manipur has gone viral on social media for all the wrong reasons. The video shows men in football jerseys carrying automatic assault rifles and engaging in what appears to be a casual game of football. The sight of armed individuals in sports attire has raised concerns and sparked outrage among viewers.
The Viral Video
The video, originally posted on Instagram by a social media influencer from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, captured the attention of netizens with its bizarre content. The footage shows men in football kits, armed with AK and American-origin M series assault rifles, playing football on a dusty ground. The guns are adorned with red ribbons, adding to the surreal nature of the scene.
The event took place at the Nohjang Kipgen Memorial Playground in K Gamnomphai, a village located in Kangpokpi district, approximately 30 km from Imphal, the state capital of Manipur. The men participating in the match wore jerseys with the word ‘Sanakhang’ printed on the front and names like ‘Ginna Kipgen’ on the back.
Social Media Controversy
The social media influencer, Nampi Romeo Hansong, initially shared the video on Instagram but later deleted it due to the backlash. He reposted a sanitized version of the video without the armed individuals on his YouTube channel, which has over 1 lakh subscribers. The controversial nature of the content sparked a debate online, with many questioning the motives behind the display of weapons at a football match.
Calls for Investigation
The Meitei Heritage Society, a civil society organization representing the Meitei community, called for an investigation into the incident. They expressed concerns about the open display of assault rifles by the individuals at the football match and questioned whether it was a gathering of Kuki militants rather than a sports event.
The KNF-P Connection
The armed individuals seen in the video were identified as members of the Kuki National Front (P), or KNF-P, a militant group operating in Kangpokpi. The KNF-P is a signatory to the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement, which allows designated militant groups to operate under certain conditions. However, the SoO agreement has come under scrutiny for alleged violations and lapses.
The Manipur Conflict
The video shed light on the ongoing tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur. The conflict, which escalated in 2023, revolves around issues such as land rights and political representation. Both communities have armed militias that claim to be village volunteers but have been involved in violent incidents.
The Normalization of Gun Culture
The prevalence of armed groups in Manipur has normalized the display of weapons in public settings. The lack of effective deterrence from security forces has emboldened these groups to flaunt their firepower, contributing to a culture of violence and insecurity in the region.
Moving Forward
The incident at the football match underscores the urgent need for peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts in Manipur. Addressing the root causes of the conflict, promoting dialogue between communities, and strengthening law enforcement are essential steps to ensure the safety and security of the region’s residents.