Imphal: The Corresponding Committee of CSOs in Manipur is clearing the air. It denied reports that it slapped restrictions on the state's artists. The coalition represents 14 groups pushing for an updated National Register of Citizens using 1951 records before any census or delimitation. They want the NRC update first. Period.
Representatives from the 14 organizations signed the release, including Santa Singh Nahakpam of Kangleipak, Mutum Churamani Meitei from the Meitei Meeti Tribe Union, and Dr. K. Heera Kabui of the Kabui Union. Other signatories include S.M. Jalal Singamayum of AMMOCOC, Huidrom Ranjit Meitei of Meitei Leepun, Serto Ahao Kom of Kom Union, Dr. Puni Losii of Mao Union, Chinhaochung Makan of Indigenous Peoples Forum, Lansingam Kamei and Poudinlung Kamei of Manipur Naga Youth Organisation, and S. Kulla of MI IDP Manipur.
The group claims art fuels progress. They credited artists with promoting unity in a conflict-ridden state. The committee even praised historical protests by icons like Ratan Thiyam, who returned awards over territorial integrity concerns, and filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma, who protested the Citizenship Amendment Bill. They also pointed to activist Jayenta, or Tapta, for using songs to push for NRC implementation, calling his work an expression of patriotism.
The committee maintains that they cannot force artists into a specific direction. They simply do not believe in coercion. To prove their point, the committee ran its own musical campaign to build support for the demand: "No Census without updating NRC in the state." The organizers stressed their stance: "Artists could not be brought under its fold or compelled to follow a particular direction through coercion." They say the arts remain free.
Comments