The documentary film “Manipur Song” set in Manipur is directed by Pankaj Butalia. The film seeks to foreground a state that exists on the periphery of the Indian imagination. As with other North Eastern states, culturally and ethnically Manipur has remained estranged from the dominant Indian culture and has repeatedly sought to assert its identity through insurgency.
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 gives complete immunity to the army and led to killings and rapes. The situation got so bad that in August 2004 a group of women disrobed in front of the army barracks holding banners saying “Indian Army Rape Us”.
Irom Chanu Sharmila, also known as the Iron Lady of Manipur is on fast since 2 November 2000 for the removal of AFSPA 1958. Deepti Priya Mehrotra has written a book titled Burning Bright: Irom Sharmila and the Struggle for Peace in Manipur on the Iron lady. It was published by Penguin Books,
The land of Gandhi is mute to his principle. The Indian Government no longer understands the Mahatmas way of struggle. Until people pick up a Klasnikov, the Indian Government does not dare to listen to its own citizen.
The Manipuris have contributed to the Indian state enough when it comes to sports.There are many footballers who have and is representing the national team. Or for that matter, name any game, you find a Manipuri. Until someone is good in cricket, who cares...This is the greatness of Indian democracy. It is nothing better than a totalitarian state. The film looks at the consequences of this violence on ordinary people.
Watch the documentary at NDTV
http://www.ndtv.com/news/videos/video_player.php?id=1090323
