IMPHAL, Feb 1: After 23 days, the Film Forum, Manipur today announced the resumption of all of its normal activities including screening of films in cinemas, revoking its earlier stand to entirely cease work.
The forum had cancelled all its activities since January 9 last till yesterday, following an alleged large monetary demand from certain militant outfits.
Members of forum had even staged a sit-in protest outside Shanker Talkies at Lamphel in Imphal West on Tuesday last against the monetary demand. A large number of Manipur film actors had participated in the demonstration.
However, screening of films at other public places outside of the theatres will not be allowed from February 14 in view of the ensuing Class X and XI examinations which will be commencing this month, stated president of the forum Surjakanta who was present there.
He said the decision to cancel showing of movies outside cinema halls was taken during a general body meeting of the forum.
He also clarified that the forum has never taken the name of any militant outfit in connection with the money demand, but only mentioned particular groups without spelling out the specific faction.
Surjakanta appealed to the militants not to demand such hefty sums from the organization in the future.