Imphal: Prominent theatre artist Padmashri Heisnam Sabitri expressed disappointment in the portrayal of the present crisis occurring in the state of Manipur as between Hindus and Christians.
Talking to DIPR, Heisnam Sabitri said, “The way the issue is being taken and portrayed as religion-based is unacceptable. They have not heard the correct version of the present crisis, saying that it is between Hindus and Christians. I cannot agree with this misconception. The Hindus and Christians are living lovingly and peacefully together even now.”
She added, “In my locality, Langol, where people of every community and religion live, we have been co-existing peacefully and lovingly since ages and have been sharing whatever we have and our experiences with one another.”
She added, “The people in Suspension of Operation (SoO) are targeting those common villagers residing in the nearby foothills. These people (Kuki militants), who are under agreements with the government, have clearly violated the ground rules and are attacking the common people, sending out the wrong impression to the outside world as the Meiteis are targeting them instead.”
She said, “It is quite unfortunate to hear on some media platforms that all the tribals in the valley areas are unable to stay because of the torture meted out by the Meiteis. But the reality is that the Meiteis are very hospitable, simple, and peace-loving people. People with vested interests are creating confusion.”
She added, “The incident had already occurred, but as of now, we should learn to forget and move on to bring a peaceful solution to this problem, and I earnestly pray that peace prevails in the state.”
Heisnam Sabitri is an internationally-acclaimed actress. For her performances and contributions in the field of theatre as an actress, she has received various honours and awards in and outside the country. She received the Manipur State Kala Akademi for acting in 1988, National Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for acting in 1991. The best actress award was given by the panel of critics at the 3rd Cairo International Festival of Experimental Theatre in 1991. And she has also been honoured with the Nandikar Award in 2002 at Kolkata on the occasion of the year of women’s empowerment by Nandikar, Kolkata, in collaboration with the Department of Child and Woman Development, Government of India, as well as the Padma Shri by the government of India in the year 2007.
