Historic North East Film Festival KICKS OFF in Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 22, 2014: The much-anticipated three-day North East film festival, “Fragrances from the North East,” made history by kicking off in the national capital on Friday evening. Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (Govt of India), this marks the first-ever North East film festival in India. The event is being held at the Siri Fort Auditorium in South Delhi.

Inaugurated by Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Information & Broadcasting, the opening ceremony also saw the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and I&B Secretary Bimal Julka, alongside other distinguished guests.

 Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Information & Broadcasting.

The festival opened on a high note, with Assam’s pop icon Papon and his band, The East India Company, delivering a captivating performance to a packed auditorium.

Shri Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister, Meghalaya. 

Mizoram's renowned film, Khuanglung Run (“The Raid of Khuanglung”), directed by Mapuia Chawngthu and starring Alex Lalchhuankima, was the first film screened on this historic evening, adding further excitement to the event.

Mapuia Chawngthu, Director of Khawlung Run, along with its lead actor Alex Lalchhuankima and a Sikkimese actress, posed for the camera during the inaugural ceremony of Fragrances from the North East. Pic: BRUCE K. THANGKHAL.

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PHOTO GALLERY

A vibrant evening of celebration, culture, and cinematic excellence, 
the inaugural night was captured 

through the lens of our correspondent, BRUCE K. THANGKHAL.

Arunachal Stall.

Mizoram Stall.

Fans posed for photos with Manipur actress Thonthoi. 

Nagland Stall.

The renowned Nagaland Singing Ambassadors posed for photos the 

North East Film Festival in New Delhi. - Bruce K. Thangkhal

Famous Assamese pop singer Mr. Papon and his band, The EAST INDIA COMPANY.

The North East Festival in New Delhi kicked off with a bang, thanks in part to the energetic and charismatic COMPERES who hosted the opening ceremony. The two comperes, who brought a perfect blend of calm and vibrancy to the stage, played a crucial role in setting the tone for the rest of the festival.

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CM Chamling meets Sikkim Police Officers, vows to address grievances

Gangtok, August 23, 2014: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, who also oversees the Home Department, chaired a high-level meeting today with senior officers of the Sikkim Police at the Police Headquarters in Gangtok. The meeting was attended by top police officials, including the Director General of Police, IGs, SPs from all districts, and officers from various police stations across the state.

During the interactive session, officers voiced concerns regarding manpower shortages, communication issues, and infrastructure challenges. After listening attentively, CM Chamling assured that the government would prioritize addressing these issues, including improving infrastructure for police stations and addressing gaps in communication networks.

He also expressed gratitude to the police for their efforts in maintaining peace during the recent elections and urged them to continue their work with dedication and a people-friendly approach, emphasizing the importance of law and order in keeping Sikkim a peaceful state.

The Chief Minister announced plans to form two companies of Women Armed Police in the state, to equip and train officers for handling any situation, and to send officers for advanced training. Additionally, a proposal for a police memorial and museum in Aritar, East Sikkim, was warmly accepted.

Addressing traffic concerns in Gangtok, the suggestion for introducing prepaid taxis was approved, and steps towards implementation will be taken. The meeting also included Chief Secretary R. Ongmu and Addl Chief Secretary.

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Meeting Between KNO & UPF Postponed as SoO Expires Tomorrow

Lamka, Aug 21, 2014: The highly anticipated meetings between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and the United People's Front (UPF) scheduled for August 22 have been postponed due to technical issues. The current term of Suspension of Operations (SoO) for both KNO and UPF is set to expire on August 22. However, reports indicate that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has communicated with the Manipur State Government, stating that the SoO will be extended and tripartite meetings will be rescheduled for later dates in New Delhi.

Sources reveal that Principal Secretary of the Manipur Government, Suresh Babu, is currently on leave, creating technical difficulties for the tripartite meetings with KNO and UPF.

Both KNO and UPF have reportedly informed the Government of their willingness to sign for the extension of another SoO term. In light of this development, the MHA had notified the Manipur Government regarding the matter. Sources emphasized that even if the SoO extension paperwork is not signed immediately after its expiration on August 22, there will not be any issues, as there is an understanding between the government and the two umbrella underground organizations.

It is noteworthy that leaders of KNO and UPF met with Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi last week. The minister assured both groups that the government would initiate political dialogues soon. Following this assurance, both KNO and UPF agreed to extend the SoO after its expiration on August 22.

T.S. Haokip, the Defence Secretary of KNO, had met with Minister Rijiju on August 16 in New Delhi to discuss the commencement of political dialogue between the two parties. The Union Minister assured KNO leaders that engagement in political dialogue would occur soon, a sentiment echoed by the UPF leaders during their earlier discussions with the minister.

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ATSUM Concludes 24-Hour Bandh, Condemns Police Action, and Continues Economic Blockade

Imphal, Aug 21, 2014 (UNA): The 24-hour bandh in all hill districts of the state, spearheaded by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) to pressure the state government and Manipur University Authority for the implementation of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012 from the current academic session, concluded at midnight today.

The bandh was largely peaceful until reports came in about an incident involving the beating of KSO Churachandpur district General Secretary Haoneo Baite by district police personnel in Churachandpur.

Condemning the high-handedness of the Churachandpur Police, ATSUM President Emboi Serto, in a disillusioned tone, asserted that the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur, sought negotiation at the KSO Churachandpur district office, but the issues remained unresolved.

The tribal student apex body chief also noted that they received a call for negotiation today from the government but chose to ignore it, stating, “There is no room for negotiation at this juncture while the bandh has already been in full swing.”

“If the government holds the spirit of negotiation, why has it delayed for so long when the door has been open for many days?” Emboi added.

He continued that an executive meeting of the student body will be held tomorrow at the state capital to discuss the proposed indefinite economic blockade starting at midnight on August 22 and further courses of agitation.

The bandh paralyzed vehicular traffic on all national highways passing through the hill districts of the state, severely affecting normal life. Reports from Motbung, Sapormeina, Champhai, Leimakhong, and Saikul, as well as from Senapati district HQ in Maram and Mao, indicated that the bandh was peaceful and total.

Some loaded trucks and passenger vehicles were reported stranded at the Mao gate and Senapati district HQ. Additionally, students from Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and other states who came for the Interstate Youth Festival were provided food and necessary merchandise at Senapati district HQ by SDSA, and they were escorted safely towards the state capital by Senapati police.

Shops and business establishments remained closed in the district headquarters, while government offices, as well as private and government educational institutions, were also shuttered for the day. In Kangpokpi, shops, other commercial establishments, banks, and government offices remained closed, with managements of private educational institutions and government schools declaring a holiday, resulting in a deserted look in the town.

Parents and guardians of some students pointed out that they are very much worn out by the frequent bandhs and closures of schools for various reasons. While this situation is challenging for many students, they expressed that concerning the demands of the student body and the government’s attitude, they put up with the disruptions without regret.

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Joys of Bereaved Families: Ex-Gratia Granted

MUALLUM, August 20, 2014: A moment of joy for families after many days of sorrow. The next of kin from two families affected by heavy rain and storm on April 19, 2010, received ex-gratia payments on Wednesday, August 20.

According to Ms. Grace Zamnu, MDC Mualluam, Mr. Ngamkholal (50) was struck by a gate post of the Assam Rifles that collapsed when he and several others were stepping down for an army frisking in Muallum village. Mrs. Mannuam (70) was also killed when an old school building fell while she sought shelter during the storm in Muallum Village on the same day. Muallum is located in the southern part of Churachandpur district, approximately 20 kilometers from the Churachandpur police station.

“I remember the ordeal they endured during those days. When the matter was brought to the attention of Ccpur District Commissioner Jacintha Lazarus IAS, she immediately rushed to the hospital, not only visiting them personally but also covering their entire medical expenses. Despite our best efforts, both ultimately succumbed to their injuries,” Zamnu said.

The MDC noted that securing the ex-gratia payment took several years. “Despite facing numerous challenges in obtaining such assistance, I cannot express enough gratitude for Madam Jacintha's relentless efforts in this matter. By God's grace, our current DC, Sir PK Jha, IAS, arranged for this amount, which I never expected, and it was quickly disbursed, allowing the families to receive the ex-gratia today,” Grace Zamnu added.

The MDC further remarked, “To me, the most successful, powerful, and wealthiest people on earth are those who give generously from their hearts to the poorest and most desperate members of society.”

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
(The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today)

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Delhi: Fragrances From The North East on 22-24 August 2014

Fragrances From The North East to enthrall the National Capital from 22nd-24th August, 2014

Khawnglung Run

New Delhi, August 19, 2014: Fragrance of the North-eastern films to traverse through the National Capital - Delhi! This is an opportunity for Delhiites to get as close as possible to North-East India later this month, without stepping out of the national capital. The Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) is organizing “Fragrances from the North East”, a three-day festival of cinema from the region in a freshly-refurbished Siri Fort Auditorium complex.

Giving an absolute North-Eastern experience to the visitors, the film screenings will be supplemented by cultural programmes, handicraft exhibitions, food stalls and much more during the festival that will take place during August 22-24.

To be inaugurated on August 22 by the Hon’ble Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Prakash Javadekar, the festival will be attended by several leading film personalities from the region, including internationally-acclaimed filmmakers Jahnu Barua and Aribam Syam Sharma, and actors Danny Dengzongpa, Seema Biswas, Adil Hussain, Geetanjali Thapa and many more.

Going the Distance

Mr. Shankar Mohan, Director, Directorate of Film Festivals said, "I invite all likeminded of people of Delhi, particularly the young to come and experience the three day North East Film Festival - "Fragrances from the North East" happening  at Sirifort complex from the 22nd to the 24th August. These fragrances from the NE are wafting into the Capital city after many years."

Ajeyo

"Come and enjoy the food, films and handicraft of the North East. A window to the North East opens in Sirifort Complex on 22nd August, don't miss this opportunity to experience, feel and enjoy the fragrances wafting through this Capital city." Mr. Mohan further added.

Khawnglung Run

The festival will begin with the screening of Mizo feature film “Khawnglung Run” (The Raid of Khawnglung) which is directed & produced by Mapuia Chongthu within a miniscule budget of Rs 12 lakh. This film won many hearts with its visual panache when it was screened as part of the ‘North-East Focus’ section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last year.

The screening will be preceded by a cultural show designed especially for the event by the highly popular singer-composer PAPON, which will take the audience on a musical journey of the region

Kathaa

The festival also include two National Award winning films of this year: Jahnu Barua’s “Ajeyo” (Assamese) and Pradip Kurbah’s “Ri: A Homeland of Uncertainty” (Khasi, Meghalaya).

Representing Sikkim would be Prashant Rasaily’s Gurkhali film “Katha”, while Manipur, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh will be represented by Oinam Gautam Singh’s Manipuri language film “Phijigee Mani”, Joseph Pulinthanath’s Kokborok language film “Yarwng” and Ahsan Mujid’s Monpa language film “Sonam” respectively.

Going the Distance

From Nagaland, a short film titled “Bamboo Shoots” directed by Steven Ao and a documentary titled “Going the Distance” directed by Tiainla Jamir will be screened. Kurbah’s “RI” will be the closing film of the festival and its screening on August 24 will be preceded by a cultural event that will see classical pianist Nise Meruno’s performance of Naga folk fusion and choir group Nagaland Singing Ambassadors’ rendition of Naga folk-based choir.

For more information, please contact:

Anuj Kumar Boruah
Young Monk Communications
M: +91 99583 72662
Email: anuj@youngmonk.in

Day-wise Programme

of

 ‘FRAGRANCES FROM THE NORTH EAST’

22^nd – 24^th August 2014

Siri Fort Auditorium Complex

Day 1 (22^nd August 2014)

 A.     Opening of the Exhibition-cum-Sale Counters of the traditional handicrafts and artifacts from North-East organized by Ministry of Culture at 5.00 P.M in Main Foyer of Auditorium – I.

B.     Opening of the Painting Exhibition organized by Lalit Kala Academey at 5.15 P.M. in Back Foyer of Auditorium – I.

C.      OPENING CEREMONY on 22^nd August, 2014 (Friday),  5.30 pm at Siri Fort Auditorium I, New Delhi

A Live Programme by PAPON along with his band  The East India Company.

Followed by the screenings of the opening film Khawnglung Run (The Raid of Khawnlung) in the language Mizo/122 mins.,  directed by Mapuia Chawngthu.

 Day 2 (23^rd August 2014 – Siri Fort Auditorium I)

10.00 am	12:30 pm	3.15 pm	6:00 pm
Yarwng 2008/Kokborok / 35mm/95 mins Dir : Joseph Pulinthanath Prod :  Joseph Kizhakechennadu Cast : Nirmal Jamatia, Meena Debbarma	Phijigee Mani 2011/Manipuri/35 mm/111 mins. Dir : O Gautam Singh Prod : Medha Sharma Cast : Tonthoi Bonny Sharma, Momita	Sonam 2006/Monpa/120 mins. Dir: Ahsan Muzid Prod: Ashok Kumar Jhuria Cast: Hagge D. Appa, Tashi Lhamu	Ajeyo 2013/Assamese/35 mm/ 117 min. Dir : Jahnu Barua Prod : Shiven Arts Cast : Rupam Chetia, Jupitora Bhuyan

Day 3 (24th August 2014)

Siri Fort Auditorium I

A. Screening of the following films with a QUIZ 

Session on North-East after each screening 

10:00 am	11:00 am	6:30 pm
Going the Distance 2010/Nagmese/Digibeta/24 mins Dir & Prod : Tiainla Jamir & Bamboo Shoots 2014 / 35 mm/ 10mins Dir : Steven Ao Prod : SRFTI, Kolkata	Kathaa 2012/ Gorkhali/Bluray/110 mins Dir: Prashant Rasaily Prod : Raaz Gadaily Cast: Saugaat Malla, Usha Rajak, Timothy Rai	Ri (Closing Film) 2013/ Khashi/ Bluray/ 117 mins Dir: Pradip Kurbah Prod: Kurbah Films Cast: Merlvin Mukhim, Elgiva Shullai AlbertMawrie, Anvil Laloo

 

 

CLOSING CREREMONY on 24^th  August, 2014 (Sunday),  5.30 pm at Siri Fort Auditorium I, New Delhi 

 Cultural Evening  by Nise Meruno & Nagaland Singing Ambassadors.

 Followed by the screenings of the closing film

RI : Homeland of Uncertainty  in the language Khashi/117 min., directed by Pradip Kurbah

  ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS
 In addition, there will be special North East food stalls representing cuisines from all eight States of North-East.

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Landlord Arrested for Molesting Northeast Girl in Delhi

ON AUGUST 18, 2014, a 20-year-old girl from Manipur was allegedly molested by her landlord in Mohammadpur, South Delhi, around 5 p.m. The accused made three attempts to intimidate and harass the victim and her aunt.

In the first incident, the landlord, accompanied by an unknown man, forcefully entered their home, inspecting every room, including the bathroom. At the time, the victim was with her aunt. The man stood watch while the landlord sat on their bed, waiting for them. "We were terrified and ran outside, refusing to return until he left," recounted the aunt. The victim added, "He threatened us, saying, 'You, Northeast people, what can you do to me if I kill you? You stay only with your sisters. Who will come to save you?'"

In the second incident, the landlord again entered their room forcefully, making the victim and her aunt fear for their safety. "He was clearly trying to take advantage of us because we are girls. We were terrified he might attempt to kill or rape us," said the victim, a Delhi University student visiting her aunt during the holidays.

The victim's aunt, who had recently moved to Delhi and works as a staff nurse in a private hospital, was living with three friends, two of whom work in retail, while the brother is a student. During the incidents, none of them were present. Following the complaints, the police arrested the landlord.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media In-charge

North East Support Center & Helpline, New Delhi

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