‘Padma Shri’ returned by Aribam Syam Sharma to protest Citizenship Bill

Guwahati, February 3, 2019:

The insistence of the BJP administration to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, has sent shockwaves through the very fabric of Northeastern society. Many of the indigenous people feel that the Act will threaten the very identity of the people. Manipur, ruled by BJP’s N Biren Singh, has seen some of the most intense protests against the Bill. Now, one of the most prominent film makers of Manipur has decided to denounce the draconian Bill by returning his ‘Padma Shri’.

Reports have emerged that Aribam Syam Sharma, the highly-acclaimed film director, has also come forward to lend his voice to the anti-CAB protests. He intends to do this by returning his Padma Shri, which is among the highest honors conferred by the Government of India. The auteur, who is acclaimed both nationally and internationally for his masterpieces spanning five decades, was conferred with the honor by the Government of India in 2006.

The 82-year old film maker was also conferred with the Jewel of Manipuri Cinema Award on 14 May 2014 by the Film Forum of Manipur and the Manipur State Film Development Society.

A press conference will be held at the film maker’s residence at Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai where he will address the issue of the Bill.