KOLKATA: She was in Bhubaneswar, preparing for Indian Women's League (IWL) for Odisha FC Women, when the clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3. Since then, Ngangom Bala Devi, deeply affected by the violence in her home state, put out an ardent appeal for peace to everyone involved.
The star Indian footballer spoke to TOI to express her frustration over the crisis that has stopped sporting activities in a state that has been a crucible of Indian sports, especially football. "We just want peace. Let the differences be solved through dialogues and on paper, not by violence," Bala said on the sidelines of the Elite Women's Football Trials here on Tuesday. "I have represented my state and country for years, and all of us - Meiteis, Kukis and others - have played together for India. It has never bothered us. This hate that has engulfed the state has to stop now."
