Thu Feb 06 18:56:44 UTC 2025: ## Viral Video Shows Armed Men Playing Football in Manipur, Raising Concerns

**Imphal, Manipur –** A video showing a football match in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has gone viral, sparking outrage and raising serious concerns about the ongoing violence in the state. The footage, initially posted by a social media influencer and later partially redacted, depicts men playing football while openly carrying automatic assault rifles, including AK and M-series weapons. Some rifles were even adorned with red ribbons.

The event, held at the L Nohjang Kipgen Memorial Playground in Gamnomphai village, reportedly took place on January 20th. Jerseys worn by the players bore the inscription “Sanakhang,” and one player’s jersey displayed the name “Ginna Kipgen” and the number 15. A subsequent video posted by the influencer, Nampi Romeo Hansong, omitted the armed men. However, NDTV possesses a copy of the original, unedited video.

The video also shows heavily armed men in Kuki National Front (P) (KNF-P) military fatigues dancing at the venue. The KNF-P is a signatory to a suspended operations agreement (SoO) with the state and central governments, requiring them to keep their weapons in designated, monitored storage. The SoO agreement lapsed in February 2025.

The Meitei Heritage Society has called on authorities to investigate this blatant display of weaponry, questioning whether this was a legitimate football tournament or a gathering of Kuki militants. The open carrying of weapons highlights the continued, widespread availability of arms and the normalization of armed presence amidst ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which began in May 2023.

The incident underscores the deeply troubled security situation in Manipur, where both Kuki and Meitei militias have been frequently sighted openly carrying sophisticated weaponry throughout 2023 and into 2025. While both sides claim to be “village volunteers,” concerns remain regarding the lack of effective deterrence and the potential involvement of militants from both communities in the ongoing violence. Security forces have publicly acknowledged the participation of militants, including those violating the SoO agreement and those returning from Myanmar. The viral video serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective intervention and de-escalation of the conflict.

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