He was looking forward to the start of a new season, a lucrative new contract with Hyderabad FC and the prospect of playing a key role at the AFC Asian Cup in January next year.
In little over a month he, and his family, are collateral damage in the political manoeuvres that resulted in widespread Meitei-Kuki violence since May 3. On May 5, the ‘war’ came to his family home in Khumujamba Meitei Leikai in Churachandpur.
Evacuated by the Assam Rifles, Siddhanth Aney met in Bishnupur, on one side of a line that even football cannot cross.
A ground report by Siddhanth Aney and Newsclick.