AMADA's Opium War attracts thousands
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 17 2009: Premier show of the "Opium War" a Shumang Leela based on an event in China produce by the All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (AMADA) was staged at BOAT, Palace Compound this evening.

A function with Titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba as chief guest, president of the AMADA, M Padmini as president was held in which Chairwoman of the Imphal Municipal Council, M Ranisana and member of the Manipur Human Commission, Ng Nongyai attended as guests of honour.

As part of the function AMADA presented a sword (Khutsu Thanglen Thanglen to the king Sanajaoba and honoured director of the play "Opium War", Birjit Ngangomba, writer of the play, Jiten Ningthouja, lyric of the play and also editor of Meetei Mayek edition of Hueiyen Lanpao, Shiva Dutta Luwang, music director Jitenkumar Naorem and film maker Banka Sharma with gifts.

King Meidingu Leishemba Sanajaoba opening Opium War, a Shumang Lila played by Peace Maker Artistes' Association at BOAT

The Peace Maker Artiste Association played the leela and the show was sponsored by the Manipur Voluntary Health Association, Wangkhei and Kripa Society, RIMS Road.

While delivering key note address, general secretary, Ph Phony said in similar way that destroyed Chinese by opium, Manipur once shining among the states of the country is ruining day by day by drug.

Despite having government agencies to check and control drug trafficking and, the same could not be eliminated.

He also alleged that in the state, trafficking of drugs and other intoxicated items are doing by the leaders of the governance stating that many cases involving them had occurred in the state.

Recalling the Opium War in China in 19th century, there is fear that the same type of warfare is going on in the state too to eliminate young general and destroyed the society.

Sanajoaba, the chief guest of the function speaking on the occasion observed the leela will aware thousands of people gathering to watch the show that consumption of toxicant items is not a good one.

"Let's take a decision to eliminate intoxicant items from the soil of the state".

Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao (Meetei Mayek edition), M Shivadutta Luwang recalled that some time back, a film in video format called "Opium War" produced and since then, the work for production as leela started.

With the successful production of the play, it can be considered that the drive against intoxicant items in the state launched by AMADA is marching ahead with the support of the people.

He also called upon the gathering to go together in the drive keeping behind the differences of religion and community.

Dignitaries in the dais also talked on the evil of the consumption of intoxicant items expressing hope that the play staged today will help a lot in the awareness on the evil of the drugs and intoxicated items.