Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed the need to imbibe the sense of nationalism in youths and to remind them of how our forefathers fought hard to regain the freedom and sovereignty of Manipur, which we are living today.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the film screening of ‘Chahi Taret Khuntakpa’ (Seven Years Devastation) at the Kangla Hall on Thursday. Manipur State Archaeology, Department of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur organised the film screening programme.
Continuing his speech as the chief guest, he raised concern on lack of records and documentations of our history, which could be of utmost benefit in preserving our culture and traditions and in imbibing the youths with the knowledge of our history. He informed that a General Knowledge book titled ‘Know Your Manipur’, containing detailed knowledge on Manipur would be brought out this year on the Statehood Day i.e. 21st January, 2025.
Speaking on the film screened today, N. Biren recalled that the decision to come up with the film was taken in 2022, considering the need to produce films on significant historical events of Manipur and to make the public aware of our valuable history. He added that the short film ‘Chahi Taret Khuntakpa’ would be telecast in History Channel, as it was made as a short duration film of 22 minutes only, making it eligible for telecasting in the History Channel.
He further informed that a full-length film on Chahi Taret Khuntakpa would also be produced, which could be screened at various cinema halls in the State. He also encouraged the Director of the film, Romi Meitei to make a short film on Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 too, stating that the State Government would allocate the budget required for the same.
The Chief Minister spoke of the then Maharaj Kulachandra’s courage and love for the motherland and his refusal to say sorry to the then Queen of England, in return for his release from the Cellular Jail.
He appreciated Director Romi Meitei, subject experts and other associated team members for their concerted effort in producing the film. He stressed the need for all to support one another in making a stronger and more developed Manipur, stating Manipur was one of the few princely states that had fought battles with the British.
Director of the film, Romi Meitei appreciated Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for coming up with the idea to bring out such kind of film and asking him to make the same. He also shared a few words on the challenges faced while making the film and expressed gratitude to experts for guiding him in bringing out the film successfully.
Ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, Chief Secretary, senior officials of the Government of Manipur, subject experts and members of civil society organisations were also present at the film screening among others.
