Thiruvananthapuram: Manipur-based filmmaker Sunzu Bchaspatimayum’s politically sensitive documentary Sagoli Eigi Wari (Pony and Me) is the story of the people of Manipur, torn between the ethnic politics of the land and the armed conflict imposed on them.
The documentary was part of the repertoire of films at ‘Behind the Lines, Between the Lines International film festival’, presented by the US Consulate and the Aseema Trust at the Press Club here. The festival is a tribute to journalistic courage under fire.
The degeneration of ethnic tribes in Manipur owing to the imposition of Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958 is poignantly depicted through the comparison of the Manipuri polo pony, on the verge of extinction as there are only 1,000 of them left.
( The Manipuri pony was originally bred for polo and military usage, and today is bred mainly for playing polo and racing, although it is also in demand for military transport use)
The fate of the people and pony of Manipur is common: pushed to the margins and bereft of a safe haven.
Asked about the mission behind documenting the sensitive topic, Bchaspatimayum says that both the regional and the central governments are interested only in the land and are insensitive to the people who live there. He sees his profession more as a way to get in touch with people than as a source of bread and butter.
He claims to be a happy journalist trying to let the world know what is happening in the conflict situation and also hopes to address the conflict resolution ideas as well.
Bchaspatimayum’s documentary is a wakeup call to Manipuri people and the rest of the country on burning issues.
When asked about Irom Sharmila's struggle to repeal AFSPA, he said, “I asked this question to all the people of India. When Anna Hazare fasted for a week, whole government machinery was rushing in to feed him. But where were they when Irom Sharmila was fasting. Why there was no such urgency in her case? This is the alienation we feel”.
