Divided by conflict, Meiteis and Kukis unite on a football field

A Historic Clash on the Pitch

In the foothills of Manipur, where ethnic tensions have cast long shadows since violence erupted on May 3, 2023, a football field became an unexpected arena of reconciliation. The Assam Rifles Foothills Football Tournament 2026, held from February 9 to 12 at the Keithelmanbi Assam Rifles Football Ground in Imphal, brought together 13 teams from Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities. Organized by the 33rd Battalion under the 9 Sector of Assam Rifles, the event carried the theme "Harmony Through Football." It was part of Operation Sadbhavana, aimed at fostering peace, rebuilding trust, and encouraging dialogue through sports in a region scarred by conflict. The tournament drew over 730 spectators, many arriving in secured Assam Rifles vehicles, underscoring the challenges of inter-community movement in buffer zones and guarded perimeters.

The final on February 12 pitted New Keithelmanbi Part-II Team B, representing Meitei players from the Imphal Valley, against Haibung FC, a Kuki team from the hills just 4 kilometers away. This marked the first competitive football match between Kuki and Meitei sides since the 2023 unrest, a milestone laden with symbolism. Spectators filled the stands, including villagers under armed escort, elders, and senior Assam Rifles officers. The match unfolded with high energy: New Keithelmanbi surged to a 3-0 halftime lead, Haibung fought back with two quick goals, but a tense moment of protests midway through the second half was swiftly diffused by security personnel. The game ended 5-2 in favor of the Meitei team, met with warm applause from the mixed crowd, signaling a shared appreciation for the spirit of play.

Voices of Unity Amid the Cheers

Players from both sides spoke of the tournament's deeper impact, emphasizing how football transcended the divisions that politics and violence had entrenched. Haibung FC captain Ginminlen Haokip captured the sentiment after the loss. His words echoed the feelings of teammates who noted the joy of competing together, with one saying sports united them despite everything. Defence PRO Lt Col M Rawat highlighted the event's goals: promoting sports culture, nurturing young talent—many Haibung players averaged 19 years old—and strengthening bonds between security forces and locals. Zonal President of the Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association, Deepika, who attended the final, stressed the initiative's role in community healing. Even as Kuki-Naga disputes simmered elsewhere, with internet suspensions in Ukhrul district, this field offered a brief respite of normalcy.

Our opponents were very good. Today we were lacking a defensive line, but next time we will play better. We don’t think about anything about the tension going on in Manipur. We played the game very well. We were supporting each other.

Beyond the Final Whistle

The tournament went further than matches, weaving in cultural performances by Meitei and Kuki artists. Traditional dances in colorful attire and rhythmic beats created a festive air, celebrating shared heritage and mutual respect. Semifinals had set the stage: one all-Meitei clash between New Keithelmanbi Team B and KTYWA Keinou, the other seeing Haibung dominate Khonglong Naga Youth Club in a one-sided affair, followed by firm handshakes. Kuki teams crossed fragile buffer zones in guarded buses for the first time since 2023, a logistical feat that itself spoke to cautious progress. Organizers viewed the event as more than sport—it reinforced harmony, cooperation, and youth empowerment in Manipur's foothills. Community elders noted that while politics faltered, these four days allowed players and fans to share one field, one game, and a fleeting sense of peace. The final at Keithelmanbi will linger in memory as a beacon of healing in a divided land.

This tournament demonstrated football's unique ability to blur ethnic lines in Manipur, uniting Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas through competition and camaraderie, while signaling hope for dialogue amid persistent tensions.