Aizawl skipper Saighani detained at Imphal airport

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Imphal, February 8: Afghanistan international and Aizawl FC skipper Masih Saighani, was left stranded in Imphal after he arrived in the city without a Protected Area Permit (PAP) required by Afghan nationals to enter Manipur.

Saighani was travelling to Imphal for Aizawl's I-League game against Neroca FC on Saturday (February 10) when he was stopped at upon arrival the airport.

Totally caught unaware of the rules, which require foreign nationals from China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, or with origins in these countries to carry the PAP permit before entering the state, Saighani was in for a huge shock when officials at the airport asked him to take a flight back from the city.

"When I arrived here, the first thing they told me was to take the last flight back, which was to leave in five minutes. Or that I would have to spend the night at the police station," Saighani said.

Due to the absence of evening flights, Saighani was subsequently stuck in the airport before local authorities allowed him to stay in Imphal for a night.

Aizawl FC owner Robert Royte said confusion arose as a result of an earlier relaxation on requirement of the PAP. However, the relaxation was not applicable to Afghan nationals travelling to Manipur.

"These rules have been applicable to Mizoram as well. When the rules were relaxed here, we thought the same would hold true for Manipur. I don't blame anyone for what has happened," Royte said.

In a tweet, Royte thanked NEROCA FC and others for trying to find a way to diffuse the crisis.

The PAP is required to be approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the case of Afghan nationals, and with just two days to go for Aizawl's match against NEROCA, Saighani is still a doubtful starter for the tie.

I League champions Aizawl are currently sixth in the table with 16 points from 12 games.