Editor
By T. Ramesh Singh, Deputy Director (Press & Publication), Information & Public Relations, Manipur
In a recent development, the Manipur State Government has expressed its reservations regarding the dissemination of potentially misleading news articles titled 'Hindi film to be screened in Manipur after 20 years' and 'Uri: The Surgical Strike- screened in Manipur after 23 years on I-Day.' These articles were published on various media platforms on August 15, 2023, causing concern among government officials.
The Manipur State Government wishes to clarify several points to prevent any confusion or misinterpretation of the current situation regarding the screening of Hindi films in the state.
First and foremost, it's important to note that Hindi films have never been banned in Manipur. While it is true that they are not screened regularly in cinema theatres, this is not within the government's purview. However, Hindi films continue to be broadcast on various satellite and TV channels on a daily basis, ensuring that the people of Manipur have access to this form of entertainment.
Moreover, a significant event occurred on August 20, 2022, when the Hindi movie "Rocketry: The Nambi Effect" was screened at the auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society. This event garnered substantial attention and was witnessed by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, his Council of Ministers, MLAs, and many government officials, demonstrating the state's openness to Hindi cinema.
Given these facts, the Manipur State Government kindly requests the removal of the aforementioned news stories from various media platforms to avoid any confusion or false narratives about the state's cultural and entertainment landscape.
Furthermore, a humble appeal is made to all media outlets and journalists to exercise caution and diligence in verifying information before publication. Spreading unverified or false information can have a detrimental impact on the perception of Manipur among the people of the country.
The Manipur State Government remains committed to promoting transparency and accuracy in reporting and appreciates the media's role in fostering a better understanding of the state's culture and policies among the public.