The proposed amendments are an all-out assault on the creative talents of film makers and the constitutional right of freedom of expression,” said CPI (M) Manipur Secretary Kshetrimayum Santa
TFM Desk
The Manipur State Secretariat of the CPI(M) has come out strongly against the proposed amendments to the Cinematography Act by the BJP led Modi Government. “The proposed amendments are an all-out assault on the creative talents of filmmakers and the constitutional right of freedom of expression,” said CPI(M) Manipur Secretary Kshetrimayum Santa in a press statement.
The statement said the Manipur State Secretariat of the CPI(M) in the interest of the Manipuri film fraternity, industry and workers strongly opposes these atrocious amendments designed to throttle cinematic talent and freedom.
The party demanded the restoration of the Appellate Tribunal as demanded by noted film makers in the country and supported the struggle of those in the film industry who have courageously raised their voice against this assault on democracy and freedom of expression.
The statement further said, “The Central Government wants to add a provision to give it the right to “revisionary powers” on account of violation of Section 5B (1) (principles for guidance in certifying films) of the Act.” This is tantamount to withdraw films already certified and closed, it added.
“Recently we have seen the right-wing forces led by the Hindutva brigade and casteist groups indulging in mob censorship of films not to their liking. Now the Government itself wants the powers to stop films critical of its ideology,” stated the party.“As it is the autonomous powers of the Film Censor Board have been subverted in various ways by the I & B Ministry. In April the Appellant body to which film makers could appeal against cuts by the Censor Board to their films was arbitrarily dissolved by the Ministry,” it said.