It was in May this yr when the horrific Manipur incident occurred the place two ladies had been attacked by a mob and paraded bare. And it was solely after two months that it caught the eye of the nation. However, it’s not the one dreadful factor that has occurred within the state, actor-filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram tells us. “There have also reportedly been other rape and murder cases involving women from both communities (Meitei and Kuki). It is unjustifiable, egregiously awful, inhumane, and shameful that men consistently use violence against women as a weapon of war, as a threat against and an instrument of intimidation against communities,” he laments.
After the video of the ladies being assaulted went viral, a number of Bollywood celebrities together with Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Kiara Advani amongst others got here out to sentence the act and demand justice for the victims. But Laishram calls it “beyond disappointing” that it took a horrifying incident like this to be a focus for influential individuals..
“Two-and-a-half-months of complete silence is a very long time. It is truly very depressing to observe how our culture and country consistently wait for some terrible events to occur before taking a stand for something, even if it means endangering the lives of others. It’s sad how Bollywood and the central government consistently turn a blind eye to events occurring in India’s northeastern regions yet are constantly overreacting to events occurring in other foreign countries,” says Laishram, including that their stance is essential as a result of they’ve the facility to affect billions of individuals and convey about some type of decision or peace. “As a result, it stings when they simply choose ignorance,” he provides.
While the director — identified for making movies on taboo topics comparable to youngster abuse, male rape, LGBTQ points, and drug menace — appreciates that some Bollywood celebrities have ultimately began to talk up, he argues that it’s too little, too late.
“In the past few months, unimaginable damage has already been done, making change impossible to implement immediately. We must join together with the genuine intent of assisting the destroyed state of Manipur, not merely for show. But I do hope more influential people from other states of India will come up and that they will continue to speak up for the struggling state and its citizens and support the adoption of sensible policies that will restore the state’s tranquillity,” he notes.
Even because it’s the matter of the whole state’s security, Laishram, particularly, is scared about his household. “The condition in my state has been horrific. Everyone in my immediate and extended family is currently in Manipur. Up until recently, the entire region had been subject to curfews and riots; however, the valley regions, where my family stays, have recently seen some relaxation. Some of my extended family members who reside in the remote and hilly regions of Manipur are being evicted from their homes and finding it extremely difficult to find refuge. Nearly three months of non-stop bloodshed and a total internet blackout have passed. The way my folks live there is extremely difficult to describe. We’ve been so horrified to the core that anytime I call someone close to me, I feel a terrible sense of uneasiness and worry, wondering if it might be the last time I ever speak to them,” he shares.
Laishram additionally goes on to speak concerning the elements that he feels contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and ignorance concerning the area by the mainstream movie trade. He says it’s the dearth of details about Northeast India in textbooks, media and different sources. “The mainstream media and the film industry must first be informed about the region and its diversity and cultural richness in order to prevent the perpetuation of damaging stereotypes. The media must portray Northeast India and its people in a more nuanced and realistic way. This necessitates bringing on additional Northeast Indian journalists, authors, actors and filmmakers who can offer a genuine viewpoint on the area,” he ends.
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
