6 books with 'nude cover' seized
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 26 2012:
Women organizations of Manipur seized six books of Manipur origin which have nude pictures of women as covers and sold at a stall of the ongoing Manipuri Translation Festival at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.
Addressing a press conference in this connection at Manipur Press club here today, Elangbam Chanu Tamphachanu, General Secretary of Kanglei Echal, said that the six books which were seized by different women organizations of the state are "The Nude Protest for a Manipuri Widow" written by Purnimashi; "Manorama's Crisis in the Wilderness" written by Bit Irom; "Manipuri Women and Pregnancy" written by Usharani; "Rape and Suicide in Manipur" written by Th Rosie; "Prevalence of Breast Cancer Among Women in Manipur" written by Dr Th Roshan and "The Manipuri Film Actresses" written by I Usharani.
All these books have been printed at Manipur News Press, Singjamei Chingamakha.
She further stated that even though there is no vulgarity in the writings of these books, the cover pictures which depict nude women are so vulgar and degrading to the status of women that no such things have ever been in vogue in Manipur.
It is also against the culture and tradition of Manipur to depict women in which manner.
It is not only an insult to the women community of Manipur but it would have a negative impact on the mind of the readers.
Tamphachanu also announced ban on further sale of the said six books in the market.
She informed that a case will be filed in the competent court against the publisher of these six books under the Indecent Representation of Women Prohibition Act.