NSA detainee carves out message on wood
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 06: Inspite of languishing inside the well fortified walls of the prison, vision and zeal of an ideal NSA detainee not only helps him sustain his interest in carving out images on wood and erase lonesome moments of the prison cell but continues to send out messages of the situation present day manipur is enduring.

According to a relative who visited the detained carver Wangkheimayum Umakanta (27) recently the talented artiste through sheer dedication sculpted an image themed Emagi Saktam that vividly depicts the trouble torn situation of the State with a mother symbolising a struggling Manipur as her children pull her in different directions that signifies the State heading nowhere.

Exquisitely made wood carving made by an NSA detenue

Moreover the artiste intends to convey to his natives for sanity rather than tear apart the land for their varied interests and agendum.

On the occasion of the Cheiraoba festival which the Meitei community would be celebrating tomorrow to welcome the new year, the sculptor through his work desires to spread the message of unity and reconciliation to the people.

Recounting that Umakanta is a national Award winner in wood carving themed 'Terror' with none other than the then President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam conferring the honour on December 12, 2005 the relative informed that impressed with his work the President even insisted on keeping the wood carving as his personal collection.

Besides Rs 50,000 for the award the President reportedly forked out Rs 15,000 in appreciation of Umakanta's work.

With his father - W Ibotombi of Samurou Awang Leikai - also a wood carver it was not surprising that umakanta was attracted to such work from a young age which he continues to preserve inspite of being confined in the prison cell.

Prior to his arrest the 27 year old had sculpted a number of images including one based on the tumultuous period that besieged Manipur in the aftermath of Th Manorama's killing.

Umakanta was arrested in 2007 from Waheng Khuman area under Wangoi police station in Imphal west district while accompanying a cadre of the proscribed RPF/PLA who got killed in police firing.

As per information shared by the relative, Umakanta sought special permission from jail authorities to sustain his interest inside his cell with the tools retained in the custody of the prison's security personnel after his day time chores is over.