On CAB, 2016 : 'How could a demand for insertion of clause be possible when the Bill is not withdrawn'- Aribam Syam Sharma
Source: IT News

Imphal, February 04 2019: Internationally acclaimed Filmmaker, Aribam Syam Sharma who had announced to return the Padmashri Award conferred to him by the Indian Government in recognition to his activities for the promotion of Manipuri Cinema, and a renowned philosopher today questioned the rationality of the political party's demand for insertion of a clause for protection of the state from Citizen Amendment Bill, 2016, when there is no demand for withdrawal of the Bill.

The renowned Film maker was talking to reporters at the sideline of the felicitation function organised by Manipur Peoples Protection against Citizen Amendment Bill (MANPAC) in recognition to the daring decision taken by the renowned Filmmaker to return back the Padmashri award in protest against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill at his residence at Thangmeiband.

Convenor of MANPAC Yumnamcha Dilip, Co-convenor Ningthouja Lancha, Co-convenor Amu Kamei, President of the ZU (Assam, Nagaland , Manipur) leaders of the Kabui Mothers' Association, representatives of UCM, AMUCO, IPSA, CIRCA and many other organization today presented memento as a mark of honour to the Intentionally acclaim figure , who is around 83 years old.

"I am not a political expert , but I know that the entire state of Manipur as well as the neighbouring states are in state of extreme danger if the Citizenship Amendment Bill is passed and converted into act", Aribam Syam said.

"Everyone knows the probable impact and we all in the region should think of the future society", he added.

Regarding the political party's demand for insertion of clause to protect the state, Aribam Syam questioned what type of clause would be inserted even if it has been withdrawn.

"Mizoram is a protected state, Nagaland is a protected stated under Article 371 (A) and Meghalaya too is a protected state- the government of these states has been vehemently criticizing the Bill and opposing it", Syam said and added that why the Manipur government is not taking this matter seriously? Why they are still not convening a special session to show that people of the region are against the Bill?" the noted film maker cum philosopher questioned.

"I am 83 now running 84 , and what is the use of being Manipuri if we can't save the state", Aribam Syam said that irrespective of ages we should all come out and unite our voice to make sure that the Bill that might wipe out the Manipur Indigenous people be not passed and withdrawn.

Aribam Syam Sharma also indicated that the BJP led government will surely put all their efforts to pass the Bill, as they already sees the provision of the article 301 of the Indian Constitution at which the President can summon a Joint Parliamentary session.

"2 MPs from the region can do nothing in the parliament, it should be the people of the entire North Eastern states that should be united and make our voice hard and louder to make sure that we are against the Bill.

MANPAC, the joint body of various civil society organization of the state had earlier announce to boycott all Indian trademark awards , song or even use of Hindi language as a part of their agitation.

Ningthouja Lancha, the Co-covenor while honouring the decision by Aribam Syam appealed all award conferred by the India government to be returned as such move is triple time effective than the agitation being underway by the MANPAC.

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