Artistes’ community of the state has sought apology from Moirang police station OC RK Anilkumar for reportedly making remarks that hurt the sentiments of artistes in Manipur, while addressing a drug awareness campaign.
The artistes’ community which reacted to the statement are Manipur State Shumang Leela Council (MSSLC), Theatre Centre Manipur (TCM), All Manipur Matam Eshei Kanglup (AMMIK) and the Film Forum Manipur (FFM).
According to a report published in a local daily on Saturday, the Moirang OC during the drug awareness campaign appealed “not to waste money on leela, drama and song, instead use the money on drug issues”, the communities pointed out during a press conference held in the complex of Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen, Imphal on Monday.
President of TCM Nabakumar Wareppa said that the statement of OC Anilkumar is an “insult” and a “mockery” to the arts and culture of the state. Moreover it is “anti-parliamentary” and an anti-slogan to chief minister N Biren who is working to uplift the arts and culture of the state.
Asserting that there will be no civilisation without arts and culture, he said that it is very unfortunate that a police officer who is maintaining the law and order of the state does not know the value of arts and culture.
Nabakumar asked the public to think what may be the consequence if all the practices related to arts and culture are halted and telecasts of all arts and culture programmes are stopped.
“Such person is not fit to be a police officer as only a lunatic person can make such a statement,” he added.
Lifetime secretary of MSSLC Sh Hemanta said that the statement of Anilkumar hurts the sentiments of the artistes.
Since the past many years, Shumang Leela has been a big and successful platform for spreading awareness on drugs, HIV, peace, harmony and love among different communities.
Arts and culture has not encouraged people to do things which can cause hatred among one another or influence people to use drugs or other negative things, he added.
Saying that a JAC against derogatory comment given by Moirang OC Anilkumar has been formed, Hemanta cautioned of launching democratic forms of agitation if the OC fails to apologise within three days.
