The effects of militancy in Manipur were portrayed in this play which was directed by Toijam Shila Devi. Set in a fictional village in Manipur, it focussed on the effects of the militancy particularly on women and children. There were several moments in the play when I wanted to get up and leave, not because the play wasn't good but because it seemed the pain the actors conveyed seemed extremely raw at times -- there was sometimes no "artistic portrayal", and it felt as though the actors were far too familiar with the effects of militancy to need to "act" at all.
Manipur comprises nine districts: four in the Valley and five in hilly areas, and all nine of those districts have been subject to militant activities for years. A separatist insurgency began in Manipur in the 1960s demanding that Manipur secede from India, and that a separate "Kingdom of Manipur" be established -- Manipur was in fact the last kingdom to be annexed by the British and made a part of British India in 1891. The arguments of the militants involve citing a lack of development among other factors. The militants are not a homogeneous group who are united in their cause though. There are several different groups and while "independence" from India is the aim of some of them, others have entirely different aims such as integrating Manipur with Nagaland -- Manipur's hills are inhabited primarily by Nagas and Kukis (Chin-Mizos) while the valley is inhabited primarily by Meiteis (including Meitei Muslims known as Meitei Pangal or Pangal and "Bhamons" who are literally non-Meiteis).
Militancy has, obviously, played a role in suppressing development in the state, and the lack of development has not helped to curb militancy in any way. There have been numerous reports of human rights violations in Manipur. Some of these instances have made headlines across the country. For example, in 2004, a supposed woman militant, Th. Manorama Devi, was allegedly raped by personnel of the Assam Rifles and died in custody. However, the number of instances which make the news appear to be minuscule in comparison to the sheer number of human rights violations. Activists like Sharmila Irom have done much to highlight problems in Manipur (particularly in relation to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act) but even so, militancy in Manipur is not a subject which is often discussed in the Indian media.
Not all human rights violations have been perpetrated by security forces though. In an opinion on "Freedom, Liberty, Human Rights And Manipuri Society", H Bhuban Singh described the situation. "In Manipur, there are plenty of Governments and various sets of laws. These unofficial but more powerful Governments issue diktats and enforce their laws. Some are shot in the calf or in the thigh, after due warning as they claim. Some unfortunate ones are tried by their courts of justice and given capital punishments.When anyone steps out of one's house, there is no knowing as to what may befall on you. One can be caught in the crossfire between security forces and underground elements and in the bargain, the innocent 'you' may get killed. Or you may be a victim of a bomb blast. Or you may have to turn back your car without going to Churachandpur when you face a wildcat bandh or strike at Bishnupur. Life is uncertain," he said.
Describing the situation as a breakdown in the rule of law, Human Rights Watch issued a statement saying, "The Manipur state government in northeastern India should act to end a cycle of unpunished violence, including killings, by security forces and armed groups," in 2009.
It was against this background that the play "Black Orchid" was set, and at times, it was heart wrenching.
Manipur comprises nine districts: four in the Valley and five in hilly areas, and all nine of those districts have been subject to militant activities for years. A separatist insurgency began in Manipur in the 1960s demanding that Manipur secede from India, and that a separate "Kingdom of Manipur" be established -- Manipur was in fact the last kingdom to be annexed by the British and made a part of British India in 1891. The arguments of the militants involve citing a lack of development among other factors. The militants are not a homogeneous group who are united in their cause though. There are several different groups and while "independence" from India is the aim of some of them, others have entirely different aims such as integrating Manipur with Nagaland -- Manipur's hills are inhabited primarily by Nagas and Kukis (Chin-Mizos) while the valley is inhabited primarily by Meiteis (including Meitei Muslims known as Meitei Pangal or Pangal and "Bhamons" who are literally non-Meiteis).
Militancy has, obviously, played a role in suppressing development in the state, and the lack of development has not helped to curb militancy in any way. There have been numerous reports of human rights violations in Manipur. Some of these instances have made headlines across the country. For example, in 2004, a supposed woman militant, Th. Manorama Devi, was allegedly raped by personnel of the Assam Rifles and died in custody. However, the number of instances which make the news appear to be minuscule in comparison to the sheer number of human rights violations. Activists like Sharmila Irom have done much to highlight problems in Manipur (particularly in relation to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act) but even so, militancy in Manipur is not a subject which is often discussed in the Indian media.
Not all human rights violations have been perpetrated by security forces though. In an opinion on "Freedom, Liberty, Human Rights And Manipuri Society", H Bhuban Singh described the situation. "In Manipur, there are plenty of Governments and various sets of laws. These unofficial but more powerful Governments issue diktats and enforce their laws. Some are shot in the calf or in the thigh, after due warning as they claim. Some unfortunate ones are tried by their courts of justice and given capital punishments.When anyone steps out of one's house, there is no knowing as to what may befall on you. One can be caught in the crossfire between security forces and underground elements and in the bargain, the innocent 'you' may get killed. Or you may be a victim of a bomb blast. Or you may have to turn back your car without going to Churachandpur when you face a wildcat bandh or strike at Bishnupur. Life is uncertain," he said.
Describing the situation as a breakdown in the rule of law, Human Rights Watch issued a statement saying, "The Manipur state government in northeastern India should act to end a cycle of unpunished violence, including killings, by security forces and armed groups," in 2009.
It was against this background that the play "Black Orchid" was set, and at times, it was heart wrenching.