Film Forum Manipur protest against monetary demands by militants

The film forum of Manipur staged a sit-in protest against the frequent monetary demands of a militant outfit, which they said is causing a huge financial loss to the film industry

Cinemas in Manipur remained closed for few days in protest against the 'extortion' bids by three banned underground organisations. Though the film-related activities have resumed, the Film Forum Manipur has condemned the frequent monetary demands by underground outfits.

Actors, directors and producers recently staged a sit-in at Keishampat to show their anger.

"We established Manipur Film forum in 2004 and since then we have been receiving monetary demands from different militant groups. We are protesting against that and we will not pay their demand," said L. Surjakanta Sharma, Chairman of Film Forum Manipur (FFM).

The armed groups have asked to pay an amount of not less than Rs 2 Lakhs annually. Film Forum has appealed to the militants to withdraw their demand.

"Because of these militant outfits we are very disturbance and we have stopped doing any film activities whether it may be a song or video album," said Gokul, Manipuri Actor

The Manipuri film industry has been facing a financial crisis since the banning of Hindi films that forced several halls to shut down.