Manipur Tribals Forum Delhi request PM for immediate intervention

To,                                                                                                                    New Delhi, Dated 2^nd September, 2015

The Hon’ble Prime Minister,                                  

Government of India

  

Subject:   Request for immediate intervention on the atrocities perpetrated on the tribal people in Manipur.

                                                

Hon’ble Sir,

 

The Manipur Tribals Forum, Delhi like to bring the following facts for your kind perusal and necessary action.

 

1.  That, on 31 August, 2015, the Manipur Assembly passed three bills following sustained protests in the Manipur valley districts demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system for the State. The three bills, taken together, will directly undermine the existing safeguards for the tribal ‘hill areas’ regarding land-ownership and population influx as the primary threat for the tribal people comes not from outside the state but the valley Meitei people itself. The tribal people have made their opposition to the Meitei demands clear. But, the tribal people were never consulted by the ‘Joint Committee’ which have been spearheading the demands, nor the Manipur Government which accepts them. The tribal MLAs in the Assembly, fearing for their lives, dare not oppose the Bills when the Bills were introduced and passed in the Assembly.

 

2. That, the Hill Areas Committee (HAC), comprising of all tribal MLAs, which was set up under Article 371C of the Constitution to protect tribal interests and whose concurrence is mandatory for all legislation affecting tribal areas, was summarily brushed aside.

 

3. That, this instance has sparked off a strong opposition from all the tribal people of Manipur across the state. It flared up emotion into violent reaction against their representative tribal MLAs. The state government, instead of explaining the contents of the amendment and pacifying the agitators used its naked forces to suppress the tribals causing widespread atrocities, untold miseries, and uncontrolled human rights violation across the hills.

 

4. That, the brutal reaction of the state forces against the peaceful mass agitation has caused the loss of precious lives of eight people and several number of the agitators were left with serious injury. In a clear case of daylight repression the state forces used real bullets to disperse the protesters. Your Honour might have seen various reports in the national media and social media networks testifying to the brutality of the state forces in dealing with the situation.

 

5. That, the incident of passing the Bill and its brutal suppression of the tribal agitators, State Government has shown its real intention to grab the lands of the tribal people which has been so far protected by the Constitution of India. It also shows a clear case of the present Ibobi government’s incompetency to govern the state.

 

We, the Manipur Tribals Forum, Delhi, therefore demand from the Government of India:

i.                     To immediately impose President’s Rule in Manipur

ii.                   To punish those state security forces involved in the brutal killing of the agitators.

iii.                 To immediately withdraw the Manipur Police commandos from all tribal areas and if need be, deploy central forces.

iv.                 Restoration of all villages transferred to valley district to their original hill districts.

v.                   To expeditiously act on the demands for ‘separate administration’ for the tribal areas of Manipur. This is a proof, if any more are needed, that the hill tribals and the plain Meiteis cannot live together under one administration.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

On behalf of the Manipur Tribals Forum, Delhi

Tribal students call emergency meeting in Delhi

NEW DELHI/CCPUR, SEPT 01, 2015: The incident which broke out in Churachandpur on August 31 led to emergency meeting of Delhi-based tribal students’ organization of Manipur in JNU late night on August 31. Leaders and members of the Kuki Students Organisation, Zomi Students Federation and Hmar Students Association attended the meeting. The meeting resolved to hold a peace rally in New Delhi on September 2.

The protestors who agitated over the passing of three Bills – The Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill 2015, the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill 2015 and the Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill 2015 –  set a blazed the houses of all MLAs from the district.

During the agitation, police shot dead three persons, source said. The deceased have been identified as Thangzalian (20) s/o Vungching of Hiangtam Lamk, H. Paulianmang (23) S/o (L) H. Thianlal of Dorcas Veng and Pausuanlian (19) s/o Zenkhanching of New Lamka Vengnuam.

House of Thangso Baite, MP (Outer), Phungzathang Tonsing, Health Minister, TN Haokip MLA/Saikot AC, Chaltonlien Amos,  MLA/Tipaimukh, Vungzagin Valte, MLA/Thanlon, Manga Vaiphei, MLA/ Henglep, and GS Haopu, MLA/Singngat were burnt down by the angry mob on the night August 31.

KNO, ZRO, HPC (D), Zomi Council, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Hmar Inpui, Mizo People Council, Gangte Tribe Union, Hmar Youth Association, Kuki Khanglai Lompi, Zomi Youth Association, Young Mizo Association, KSO Churachandpur, Hmar Student Association, YMA, CoPTAM, KSDC held an emergency meeting in Lamka on September 1.

“We have been targeted with neglect and discrimination. All funds meant for our development have either been diverted or misappropriated by the Meitei majority and their clones,” said PS Haokip, Presdient, Kuki National Organisation in his speech.

He added, “For all these years, we have suffered injustice and now it has become intolerable. Not satisfied with depriving us of our developmental rights, they are now planning to snatch our land by calling us foreigners”.

“They arbitrarily have passed a bill which will uproot those of us whose villages were not in their records since 1951. I am telling them today, and I want us to tell them that we don't need them to record that we lived in our lands much before their government intruded onto our lands,” stated PS Haokip.

So far seven persons have been killed by the police, sources confirmed. Still tension grips in Churachandpur, after the tribals protested the passing of three bills which have impinged the rights of the tribal people. Delhi-based tribal students of Manipur scheduled to have another round of meeting on Tuesday evening.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

Joint Press Communiqué: Tribal Student Bodies Call Bandh Against Manipur Bills

30th August, 2015

The All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (Both ATSUM Group), All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) & Kuki Students’ Organisation KSO GHQs calls 12 hour bandh in all the hills district of Manipur from 6: a.m. to 6 p.m. on 31st August resentment against the three bills which were introduced in the special session of the Manipur Assembly on 28th August 2015 in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

1. The Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015

2. The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015

3. The Manipur Shop and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015

In short, the above bills has overlapping of Article 371C and Manipur Hill People Administration Regulation Act 1947. Mention may be made here that, the tribal organisations has made known to the Government of Manipur on many occasion regarding our stands. The tribal people will not remain a silent spectator where the rights of the tribal are threatened upon by this way of systematic infringements. If any untoward incident happens the Government of Manipur and Hills Area Committee shall be held responsible.

(MUAN TOMBING)
President, ATSUM

(JOSEPH R. HMAR)
Acting President, ATSUM

(ALEXANDER HUTEN)
Secretary, ANSAM

(SEIBOI HAOKIP)
Secretary, KSO GHQs

John Rotluangliana seeks central assistance for development of tourism in Mizoram

NEW DELHI, AUG 28, 2015: The Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma held a meeting with the Tourism Minister of Mizoram Mr John Rotluangliana in New Delhi on Friday. The Tourism Minister of Mizoram met the Union Tourism Minister to seek central assistance for development of tourism in the state of Mizoram.

Dr Mahesh Sharma informed that Mizoram is included in the mega project of the North East Circuit under the scheme of Swadesh Darshan. Mizoram has submitted proposals for two tourism projects – integrated development of Eco Tourism, Adventure Sports and Wellness at Serlui B Lake surroundings, and integrated development of Eco Tourism at Thanzawal under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of Ministry of Tourism.

Rotluangliana requested Dr Sharma to release some outstanding funds for the projects started under the scheme of PIDDC. 

Dr Sharma assured that the demands of the state government will be examined and all possible assistance will be extended to help the state of Mizoram for development of tourism.

~ The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today

PM inaugurates Birth Centenary Celebrations of Rani Gaidinliu

THE Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India must remember the glorious heritage of the freedom struggle, and ensure that the legacy of the struggles and achievements of our freedom fighters is passed on to succeeding generations.

Speaking after the launch of a commemorative coin to mark the inauguration of the birth centenary celebrations of Rani Gaidinliu in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 24 August 2015, the Prime Minister said it is our misfortune that people such as Rani Gaidinliu have either not been remembered adequately, or have been deliberately forgotten.

 

The Prime Minister recalled Rani Gaidinliu’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle. Referring to her as “Rani-Maa,” he said that she believed that her struggle for the Naga people against the British, was also a struggle for India’s unity and integrity. The Prime Minister also credited Rani Gaidinliu with spreading the message of Mahatma Gandhi in the North-East.

 

He regretted that she could not enter her village for many years after independence. He said India has not been made by kings or rulers, but by its people.

 

The Prime Minister said Rani-Maa’s thoughts on living in harmony with nature could provide an answer to the problem of climate change being faced by the world today.

 

The Prime Minister spoke of his Government’s initiatives for the development of the North-East. He reiterated that the progress of the north-east will provide a big boost to the development of the entire nation. He said the Land Boundary Agreement signed recently with Bangladesh would help improve connectivity of the region with the rest of the country. Referring to the recently signed Naga Peace Accord, the Prime Minister said it was due to the efforts of successive governments, that such an agreement could be reached.

 

The Governor of Nagaland Mr PB Acharya, the Chief Minister of Nagaland Mr T R Zeliang, the Chief Minister of Manipur Mr O Ibobi Singh, and Union Ministers Mr Rajnath Singh, Mr Arun Jaitley, Dr Mahesh Sharma, and Dr Jitendra Singh were present.

 

***

Brief History:

Rani Gaidinliu

 [1915-1993]

 

“We are a free people, the white men should not rule over us, we will not pay house tax to the Government, we will not obey their unjust laws like forced labour and compulsory porter subscription,”

 – Rani Gaidinliu.

 

RANI Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual and political leader who led a revolt against British colonial rule in India. She was born on 26 January 1915 at Nungkao, Rongmei village in Manipur. Ranima, as she was known with respect and affection, had humble beginning. At the age of 13 she came under the influence of Haipou Jadonang, the leader who launched a religious movement that sought to reform the Zeliangrong Naga communities. The movement grew into a political struggle to uproot British colonialism from Manipur and the nearby Naga-inhabited areas. Within the Heraka cult Rani Gaidinliu came to be regarded as the human form of the Goddess Cherachamdinliu.

By the late 1920s, British officials began to view the political underpinnings of the movement with deep suspicion as they saw it as undermining their authority. After the execution of Jadonang in 1931, Rani Gaidinliu took up the leadership of the movement for independence. She was arrested in 1932 by the British authorities. She became a political prisoner but at the same time had emerged a veteran leader of the resistance movement.

Rani Gaidinliu identified her people’s struggle with the wider Indian freedom struggle. For her, the Naga people’s journey to freedom was part of India’s wider movement for freedom. She also spread the message of Gandhiji in Manipur region.

During long years of incarceration Ranima had become popular and the issue of her imprisonment was raised in the British House of Commons. She was released from jail after 14 years when India won independence in 1947. She remained true to her convictions and continued to work for the protection of traditional Naga customs, beliefs and traditions within the Union of India. She withstood serious threats from armed insurgents which forced her to go underground in 1960. Her adversaries could not weaken her resolve. She was committed to her cause with little care for personal safety. She came overground on 16 January 1966. She was welcomed by the people of Zeliangrong.

Leaders of various political parties at the national level had great regard for her work and her contribution to the common good. Her visits even to remote areas became legendary. Men and women, young and old, gathered simply to have a glimpse of her. She showed how it was possible to have pride in village customs and traditions and in Naga culture and at the same time to be true to India. She was the State President of All India Freedom Fighters’ Association (Nagaland), Founder and President of Zeliangrong People’s Convention and Patron of Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Parishad till her death.

Rani Gaidinliu was also associated with organizations such as Kalyan Ashram, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Vidya Bharati. She interacted with many prominent leaders. She met M S Golwalkar of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Guwahati in the early seventies. Bala Saheb Deshpande of Kalyan Ashram met her at Kohima in 1978. She also toured the country extensively during her lifetime. In January 1979 she visited Varanasi and from there went to Allahabad to attend the 2^nd World Hindu Conference organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. She also visited the Sangam and took a dip in the Ganga.

Ranima passed away on 17^th February, 1993. She left behind a vibrant legacy and instilled in the Zeliangrong people pride in traditional practices. Her life of struggle and her integrity marked her out as a figure we should all learn from and who can still inspire positive values in public life.

Rani Gaindinliu became a legend in her own lifetime.

 

Honours for Rani Gaidinliu

Freedom Fighter Tamrapatra, 1972; Padma Bushan, 1982; Vivekananda Sewa Samman, 1983; Birsa Munda Award, 1996; and Postal Stamp, 1996.

Government of India instituted Stree Shakti Puruskar in honour o five eminent women in Indian history which included Rani Gaidinliu, 2000. The Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. Launched an in-shore patrol vessel named ‘Rani Gaidinliu’ for the Indian Coastal Guard at Visakhapatnam, 6 November 2010.

Courtesy: Ministry of Culture, Govt of India & PIB

Relay Hunger Strike enters its 70th day for OROP in Jantar Mantar

NEW DELHI, AUG 24, 2015: Today, on the 70th day of the agitation, 25 Ex-servicemen sat on Relay Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar. Ex-servicemen from 14 states participated in Relay Hunger Strike. Ms Mrinalini Katoch d/o Gen VK Singh and student leader Mr Ankit Gupta President of Citizen for Forces (C4F) also sat on RHS.

Col Pushpender Singh (Grenadiers) and Havaldar Major Singh (Sikh Light Infantry) entered the eighth day of fast unto death while Hav Ashok Kumar Chauhan (Signals) entered the sixth day of fast unto death. Their medical examination was done by a panel of doctors and all the medical parameters were found to be stable. However, Col Puspender and Hav Major Singh are feeling weakness which is normal for a person who has not eaten anything for eight days. Necessary medical arrangements have been made to cater for any emergency, sources stated.

~ BKT

Imagi Ningthem film receives Big Appreciation in NE Film Festival

NEW DELLHI, AUG 24, 2015: The three-day Northeast film festival entitled “Fragrances of the North-eastern films” held under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting concluded here in Siri Fort Auditorium Complex on Sunday evening. Hundreds of cinema lovers attended throughout the festival.

Films like The Deer on the Lake, Indigenous Games of Manipur, Yelhou Jagoi and Imagi Ningthem directed by Aribam Syam Sharma (Manipur), Story of a House directed by Sesino Yhoshu & Sophy Lasuh (Nagaland), 1987 directed by Wanphrang Diengdoh & Dondor Lyngdoh (Meghalaya), MNF: The Mizo Uprising directed by Napoleon Thanga (Mizoram), Mathia directed by Joseph Pulinthanath (Tripura), and Aisa Yeh Jahaan directed by Biswajeet Bora (Assam) were screened on Sunday (Aug 23).

Let us delves deep a little bit into the films one by one – what does it tell. The film “The Deer on the Lake” (1990, English, 25 min) directed by a noted Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma revolves around the lost of the ‘Sangai’, the brow-antlered deer which is only found in Manipur. This elegant deer lives in the southern corner of the Loktak Lake in the heart of the valley of Imphal, on the flat grassland of the extraordinary shifting island of Keibul Lamjao. Sangai is on the verge of extinction with only about fifty of them still alive. A national park since 1977, Keibul Lamjao is now identified as one of the Threatened Protected Areas of the World.

The film “Indigenous Games of Manipur” (1990, English, 28 min) tells the marital tradition of Manipur which led to the development of various forms of games and sports in the state. The important ones among them include Cheibi, a game of swordsmanship; Mukna, wrestling Manipuri style; Mukna – Kangjei, a combination of elements of modern hockey and Mukna; Hiyang – Tannaba, a spectacular boat race; Yubi – Lakpi, or snatching the coconut; Kang, an indoor game; and Sagol – Kangjei, an ancient community game of Manipur, the precursor of Polo.

The film “Yelhou Jaboi” (1995, Manipuri, 35 min) narrates the annual ritual festival celebrated by the people of Manipur valley. It recreates the myth of creation of the Universe such as Heaven, Earth and Life in its manifestations of flora, fauna and mankind. The film shows how the dance of the maibies (women priests) depicts the growth of a child in womb, organs developing gradually, his coming age, making of house, cultivation, fishing and others through use of 364 hand movements.

“Imagi Ningthem” (1981, Manipuri, 110 mins), a film based on the life of rural woman in Manipur, an educated working woman and a house-wife, each with a “common, similar sense of felling and understanding”, which portrays their everyday struggles.

Aribam Syam Sharma, a noted film director, actor and music director from Manipur, who came in limelight with his award winning film ‘Imagi Ningthem’ (My Son, My Precious) that received the ‘Grand Prix’ at the Festival des Trios Continents, Nantes, France in 1982. The other widely acclaimed films that attracted attention include ‘Ishanou’ (The Chosen One), the Official Selection (Un Certain Regard) for the Cannes Film Festival, 1991, and Sangai – the Dancing Deer of Manipur, declared as the ‘Outstanding Film of the Year 1989’ by the British Film Institute.

Sharma has been associated with Manipuri films from its inception; he is its first music director. He composed music for Manipuri’s first film ‘Matamgee Manipur’ (1972) and also acted in it. So far he has directed 12 feature films and 31 non-feature films. The government of India conferred him ‘Padmashri’ in 2006, awarded the ‘Dr V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 2008 by the Films Division, Govt of India, awarded with the first ‘Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award for Film’ in 2010, and the title ‘Jewel of Manipuri Cinema’ this year (2015).

Directed by Sisino Yhoshu and Sophy Lasuh, the ‘Story of a House’ (2011, Nagamese & English, 5 min) reveals how and why the 55 Naga residents of this house live in India during the day and sleep in Myanmar at night. Ms Sesino Yhoshu is a graduate of Mass Communication and Video Production from St Anthony’s College, Shillong and further specialized in Cinematography from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Yhoshu founded Take One, a production house based in Kohima, Nagaland. Sophy Lasuh completed her Masters in Film & Television from Edinburgh College of Art, UK in 2008. After working as a film editor with Edinburgh College of Art, she reunited with Indian Television by joining NDTV. She has now returned to Nagaland and co-owns Cue Hue with Sesino Yhoshu.

The film “19|87” (2011, Khasi & Hindi, 36 min) directed by Wanphrang K Diengdoh and Dondor Lyngdoh deals with an uncommon friendship that developed over a tense period of time in the history of Shillong. Shot with a guerilla camera style, with non-professional actors and real-life settings, this film revolves around a Muslim tailor bestowed with the gift of prophecy and a strayed Khasi youth. Wanphrang Diengdoh is an independent filmmaker and the founder of red dur (www.reddur.com), a production space for films, music and design. His works including 19|87, the Kali Kamai public art installation and several music videos reflect his keen interest in the politics and culture of his hometown, Shillong. An independent filmmaker Lyngdoh is an alumnus of AJK-MCRC Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi.

The documentary film “MNF: The Mizo Uprising” (2014, Mizo & English, 28 min) narrates the outbreak of Mizo armed struggle for independence from 1966-1986. The Mizo Uprising was started by the Mizo National Front (MNF) founded by late Laldenga. The neglect of the then Government of Assam which led to the dreaded famine was the main reason. The period witnessed atrocities on civilians and women by the Indian army. The peace accord between GoI and MNF was signed on 30 June 1986 bringing a historic end to a 20-year struggle for independence.  This film documents the event through the account of people who witnessed it. Hailing from Azawl’s Mission Veng, the film director Napoleon RZ Thanga, completed his postgraduate diploma in Television Production from University of Hyderabad in 2009.

The film “Mathia” (2005, Kokborok, 132 min) directed by Joseph Pulinthanath narrates the how an innocent woman is being branded as ‘witch’ by the village folks. Inhabitants of Hathai Para, a remote village, are unable to make up their minds about the identity of Kwchwngti, a young woman who has recently begun living at the edge of the hamlet. ‘Is she a witch as they have heard?’ The villagers would have probably tolerated her had she not tried to interfere in important matters like the proposed marriage between Kephengrai and Khumbarti. The intriguing element in all this is the occasional rendezvous that Kephengrai has with another village girl, Sampri, even as he is engaged to Khumbarti. And ‘what was it that he whispered in the ears of the village priest after bribing him with rice beer?’ The director has used cinema to highlight to the world the unique position of Tripura’s indigenous communities. His works in Kokborok include the feature films Mathia and Yarwng (2008). Mathia was the first film from Tripura to enter the Indian Panorama, and Yarwng, the first and only film from Tripura till date to win a national award.

The festival concluded with the film “Aisa Yeh Jahaan” (2015, Hindi, 120 min) directed by Biswajeet Bora tells the story of a nuclear family who moves from a small town in Assam to Mumbai for better life and opportunities. While stressing on the issue of escalating human detachment from nature, the film also touches the sensitive side of relationships which is adversely affected with the drastic change of life from a peaceful town to a metropolitan concrete city. The film also highlighted the racial discrimination faced by the people of Northeast regions.

Hailing from a small village in Assam, Biswajeet Bora, after completing his graduation, he landed in Mumbai City and started his career as a film editor. He has assisted internationally acclaimed filmmaker Jahnu Barua for seven years. Several of his films have received acclaim in national and international film festivals.

It is worth to know that the Cinema in Northeast India is exactly 80 years old this year. The first film of the region was made in 1935, that is “Joymoti”, the tale of the eponymous Ahom princess who sacrificed traditions of medieval Assam. It was made by Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, one of Assam’s biggest cultural icons who was a playwright, poet, composer, novelist and Freedom Fighter, all rolled into one.

“But despite crossing eight decades, only Assam and Manipur has a developed tradition of filmmaking of both meaningful and mainstream varieties, while in the other states, ‘filmmaking’ has been more of a recent phenomenon – the occasional efforts of earlier years have in recent years seen a spurt thanks to the advent of cheaper digital technology that has enabled making of low-budget films in various ethnic languages”, said Utpal Borpujari, Curator, North East Film Festival, 2015.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL | MANIPUR CHRONICLE

MNF: The Mizo Uprising & Imagi Ningthem receives Big Appreciations

                Fragrances of the North East concluded in Delhi

New Delhi, 24 Aug 2015: THE three-day Northeast film festival entitled “Fragrances of the North-eastern films” held under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting concluded here in Siri Fort Auditorium Complex on Sunday evening. Hundreds of cinema lovers attended throughout the festival.

Films like The Deer on the Lake, Indigenous Games of Manipur, Yelhou Jagoi and Imagi Ningthem directed by Aribam Syam Sharma (Manipur), Story of a House directed by Sesino Yhoshu & Sophy Lasuh (Nagaland), 1987 directed by Wanphrang Diengdoh & Dondor Lyngdoh (Meghalaya), MNF: The Mizo Uprising directed by Napoleon Thanga (Mizoram), Mathia directed by Joseph Pulinthanath (Tripura), and Aisa Yeh Jahaan directed by Biswajeet Bora (Assam) were screened on Sunday (Aug 23).

Naopolen RZ Thanga alongwith Utpal (the Curator),
and filmmakers from Nagaland Sesino & Sophie. Pic: BKT.

Let us delves deep a little bit into the films one by one – what does it tell. The film “The Deer on the Lake” (1990, English, 25 min) directed by a noted Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma revolves around the lost of the ‘Sangai’, the brow-antlered deer which is only found in Manipur. This elegant deer lives in the southern corner of the Loktak Lake in the heart of the valley of Imphal, on the flat grassland of the extraordinary shifting island of Keibul Lamjao. Sangai is on the verge of extinction with only about fifty of them still alive. A national park since 1977, Keibul Lamjao is now identified as one of the Threatened Protected Areas of the World.

The film “Indigenous Games of Manipur” (1990, English, 28 min) tells the marital tradition of Manipur which led to the development of various forms of games and sports in the state. The important ones among them include Cheibi, a game of swordsmanship; Mukna, wrestling Manipuri style; Mukna – Kangjei, a combination of elements of modern hockey and Mukna; Hiyang – Tannaba, a spectacular boat race; Yubi – Lakpi, or snatching the coconut; Kang, an indoor game; and Sagol – Kangjei, an ancient community game of Manipur, the precursor of Polo.

The film “Yelhou Jaboi” (1995, Manipuri, 35 min) narrates the annual ritual festival celebrated by the people of Manipur valley. It recreates the myth of creation of the Universe such as Heaven, Earth and Life in its manifestations of flora, fauna and mankind. The film shows how the dance of the maibies (women priests) depicts the growth of a child in womb, organs developing gradually, his coming age, making of house, cultivation, fishing and others through use of 364 hand movements.

“Imagi Ningthem” (1981, Manipuri, 110 mins), a film based on the life of rural woman in Manipur, an educated working woman and a house-wife, each with a “common, similar sense of felling and understanding”, which portrays their everyday struggles.

Aribam Syam Sharma, a noted film director, actor and music director from Manipur, who came in limelight with his award winning film ‘Imagi Ningthem’ (My Son, My Precious) that received the ‘Grand Prix’ at the Festival des Trios Continents, Nantes, France in 1982. The other widely acclaimed films that attracted attention include ‘Ishanou’ (The Chosen One), the Official Selection (Un Certain Regard) for the Cannes Film Festival, 1991, and Sangai – the Dancing Deer of Manipur, declared as the ‘Outstanding Film of the Year 1989’ by the British Film Institute.

Sharma has been associated with Manipuri films from its inception; he is its first music director. He composed music for Manipuri’s first film ‘Matamgee Manipur’ (1972) and also acted in it. So far he has directed 12 feature films and 31 non-feature films. The government of India conferred him ‘Padmashri’ in 2006, awarded the ‘Dr V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 2008 by the Films Division, Govt of India, awarded with the first ‘Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award for Film’ in 2010, and the title ‘Jewel of Manipuri Cinema’ this year (2015).

Directed by Sisino Yhoshu and Sophy Lasuh, the ‘Story of a House’ (2011, Nagamese & English, 5 min) reveals how and why the 55 Naga residents of this house live in India during the day and sleep in Myanmar at night. Ms Sesino Yhoshu is a graduate of Mass Communication and Video Production from St Anthony’s College, Shillong and further specialized in Cinematography from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Yhoshu founded Take One, a production house based in Kohima, Nagaland. Sophy Lasuh completed her Masters in Film & Television from Edinburgh College of Art, UK in 2008. After working as a film editor with Edinburgh College of Art, she reunited with Indian Television by joining NDTV. She has now returned to Nagaland and co-owns Cue Hue with Sesino Yhoshu.

The film “1987” (2011, Khasi & Hindi, 36 min) directed by Wanphrang K Diengdoh and Dondor Lyngdoh deals with an uncommon friendship that developed over a tense period of time in the history of Shillong. Shot with a guerilla camera style, with non-professional actors and real-life settings, this film revolves around a Muslim tailor bestowed with the gift of prophecy and a strayed Khasi youth. 

Wanphrang Diengdoh is an independent filmmaker and the founder of red dur (www.reddur.com), a production space for films, music and design. His works including 19|87, the Kali Kamai public art installation and several music videos reflect his keen interest in the politics and culture of his hometown, Shillong. An independent filmmaker Lyngdoh is an alumnus of AJK-MCRC Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi.

The documentary film “MNF: The Mizo Uprising” (2014, Mizo & English, 28 min) narrates the outbreak of Mizo armed struggle for independence from 1966-1986. The Mizo Uprising was started by the Mizo National Front (MNF) founded by late Laldenga. The neglect of the then Government of Assam which led to the dreaded famine was the main reason. The period witnessed atrocities on civilians and women by the Indian army. The peace accord between GoI and MNF was signed on 30 June 1986 bringing a historic end to a 20-year struggle for independence.  This film documents the event through the account of people who witnessed it. 

Hailing from Azawl’s Mission Veng, the film director Napoleon RZ Thanga, completed his postgraduate diploma in Television Production from University of Hyderabad in 2009.

MNF - THE MIZO UPRISING director Napoleon RZ Thanga. Pic by BKT.

The film “Mathia” (2005, Kokborok, 132 min) directed by Joseph Pulinthanath narrates the how an innocent woman is being branded as ‘witch’ by the village folks. Inhabitants of Hathai Para, a remote village, are unable to make up their minds about the identity of Kwchwngti, a young woman who has recently begun living at the edge of the hamlet. ‘Is she a witch as they have heard?’ The villagers would have probably tolerated her had she not tried to interfere in important matters like the proposed marriage between Kephengrai and Khumbarti. The intriguing element in all this is the occasional rendezvous that Kephengrai has with another village girl, Sampri, even as he is engaged to Khumbarti. And ‘what was it that he whispered in the ears of the village priest after bribing him with rice beer?’ The director has used cinema to highlight to the world the unique position of Tripura’s indigenous communities. His works in Kokborok include the feature films Mathia and Yarwng (2008). Mathia was the first film from Tripura to enter the Indian Panorama, and Yarwng, the first and only film from Tripura till date to win a national award.

MATHIA film by Pulinthanath (Tripura). Pic: BKT

The festival concluded with the film “Aisa Yeh Jahaan” (2015, Hindi, 120 min) directed by Biswajeet Bora tells the story of a nuclear family who moves from a small town in Assam to Mumbai for better life and opportunities. While stressing on the issue of escalating human detachment from nature, the film also touches the sensitive side of relationships which is adversely affected with the drastic change of life from a peaceful town to a metropolitan concrete city. The film also highlighted the racial discrimination faced by the people of Northeast regions.

AISA YEH JAHAN | Director & crew members. Pic: BKT.

Hailing from a small village in Assam, Biswajeet Bora, after completing his graduation, he landed in Mumbai City and started his career as a film editor. He has assisted internationally acclaimed filmmaker Jahnu Barua for seven years. Several of his films have received acclaim in national and international film festivals.

It is worth to know that the Cinema in Northeast India is exactly 80 years old this year. The first film of the region was made in 1935, that is “Joymoti”, the tale of the eponymous Ahom princess who sacrificed traditions of medieval Assam. It was made by Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, one of Assam’s biggest cultural icons who was a playwright, poet, composer, novelist and Freedom Fighter, all rolled into one.

“But despite crossing eight decades, only Assam and Manipur has a developed tradition of filmmaking of both meaningful and mainstream varieties, while in the other states, ‘filmmaking’ has been more of a recent phenomenon – the occasional efforts of earlier years have in recent years seen a spurt thanks to the advent of cheaper digital technology that has enabled making of low-budget films in various ethnic languages”, said Utpal Borpujari, Curator, North East Film Festival, 2015.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

Joint Editor, ZOGAM TODAY

Gangtok mesmerized by ZEE TV DID little master Om Chettri

GANGTOK, AUG 24, 2015: The capital of Sikkim ‘Gangtok’ witnessed a grand musical and dance extravaganza fused with a variety of performances by several artists on August 22^nd evening. 

Hundreds of music lovers had the extreme pleasure of witnessing tremendously talented performances by artists like DID Little Master Om Chhetri, Sikkim’s solo singers Leezum Bhutia, Remanti Rai (Sikkim Sangeet Sammaan), Preetam Rai (Voice of Lampokhari), Sikkim’s popular hip-hop band ‘Urban Inc.’, girls’ band ‘Genesis of Pink’ and many other high talents like Emanshi Gurung, ‘AVM Sichey’ dance group and many more.

Simultaneously, the evening had the privilege of having the company of a team of Ministers and MLAs from Govt of Sikkim. Mr GM Gurung, Minister for Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department graced the occasion as Chief Guest, Mr SB Subedi, Minister for RMD Department as Guest of Honour, Mr AK Ghatani, Minister for Health Care and Human Services and IPR Department, and Chief Whip for Government of Sikkim and MLA Mr Bikram Pradhan also graced the occasion.

As the extremely exciting evening progressed, little master Om Chhetri addressed the audience and Sikkim as a whole by sharing his struggling and inspiring story. He said that he will continue representing the Gorkha community while he aspires to be either a choreographer or superstar but he stated that more than that will continue to be a good human being. Finally urged all the parents to wholeheartedly support their children in whatever their child aspires to be.

A felicitation was also hosted by the organizing committee ‘The Fusion World’ at Hotel Delisso Abode, Gangtok, wherein the Chief Guest Mr GM Gurung gave away vote of thanks to the artists and the organizing committee. All the artists were acknowledged and felicitated during the function. Certificates were also awarded to all the participants, artists, sponsors and volunteers.

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Appeal for ‘Peace’ to JCILPS and all community leaders in Manipur

OUR CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI, AUG 22, 2015: Unable to remain a mute spectator over the month long volatile situation and the growing fears and sufferings of the common people, including children, Mr K Zou, social activist and AAP MP Candidate 2014 (Outer) appealed to all respectable leaders of ILP Demand Committee and leaders of all Community organization, to kindly refrain from endangering public life and properties while pursuing the noble cause.     

The press statement said that while ILP is a system of protecting the weaker section of the society from the subjugation of the powerful and stronger community, it appears that the stronger community demand ILP to subjugate the already subjugated weaker section of Manipur society further.

Zou further states that the chauvinism of the stronger community and their activism has been a major hurdle to the holistic growth of the weaker community/ tribe in both the tribal and Meitei community. In the hills, the minor tribes are completely subjugated in the name of broader movement for tribal Right.

Similarly, the original /indigenous communities like the Lois, Leimaram, Kuatha, Phayengs, Ngambou, the yaithibis (Meitei turned Zou community) settling in Khurkhul, Sekmai, Kakching, Andro, Ngambo, chairel, etc, are socially ostracized in the name of caste supremacy and originality. We all may come from Burma, but through different routes and time, before the birth of Manipur. Only honesty and fairness can give justice to one and all, Mr K Zou stated.

Being aware about the discontentment of most of the communities, imposing indefinite blanket-ban by another community over the rest, will deteriorate the wounded memories. “Let us not fight over our settlement and snub one another as foreigner, converted, out casted. The pinches of powerful migrants into Manipur will be felt once the Jiri Railway line functions and when the “Look East Corridor” fully operates. Therefore, I, earnestly appeal to all community organization leaders, to create space for public life and the government, to apply their minds effectively”, Zou appealed.

ENDS

K Zou appointed as advocate panel for Manipuris in Delhi

BY BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

NEW DELLHI, AUG 22, 2015: In order to strengthen the existing advocate for Manipuri people in Delhi, The Government of Manipur appointed Mr. Khamchinpau Zou @ K. Zou as advocate to take up the legal or social problems of all Manipuris in Delhi w.e.f 21st August 2015.

Mr. K Zou is one of the oldest social activists and senior advocates, selflessly helping the tribals and northeast people in Delhi and across our country for the last 25 years in Delhi. Zou hails from Zoveng village in Churachandpur, Manipur.

Mr. Zou is above narrow ethnic division on linguistic, state boundaries, religion, petty politics, race, etc. Under his leadership the northeast and tribal students in Delhi University contested the Joint Secretary post in the Delhi University Students Union Election in 1999. Thereafter, the presence of Northeast people in Delhi University, JNU, etc began to be felt by the mainland students in Delhi.

He was also instrumental in demanding the relaxation of 5% marks for SC/ST in UGC/JRF fellowship eligibility in 1996. He also initiated the Rajiv Gandhi Fellowship for SC/ST in the year 2002 with the cooperation of Mr. Juel Oram, the first minister of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and many more remarkable achievements.

ENDS