SHILLONG:
The Shillong Lajong junior team, who were participating in the RFDL National Championships, India’s biggest youth football tournament for U-21 players in Imphal, were brought back to Shillong on Friday evening due to the ongoing unrest in Manipur. The unrest was a result of protests by Scheduled Tribe communities, primarily from the Kuki-Zomi tribal group, against a proposed move to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community, which makes up the majority of the state’s population.
According to Coach Bobby Nongbet, all members of the Shillong Lajong team were safely escorted back to the city with the assistance of the organizers and the Assam Rifles force, without facing any trouble during their stay in Imphal or while returning to Shillong.
The team was scheduled to play SAI RC at the SAI Complex in Imphal on Saturday at 10 am. The RFDL National Championships provide a platform for young footballers in India to showcase their skills and talent. The league features youth teams from Hero Indian Super League, Hero I-League, and independent academies, competing in a first-of-its-kind nationwide football tournament that aims to create a sustainable football ecosystem in India. Over 50 teams divided into nine regional groups competed in the league.
The safety of players and officials is of utmost importance, and the decision to bring back the Shillong Lajong team was taken to ensure their well-being in light of the ongoing unrest.