Popular Manipuri film actress and singer Soma Laishram who has been banned for three years for appearing in an event in New Delhi has said that she was “shocked and hurt” at the decision to boycott and ban her.
“I have always been a diehard fan of my motherland – Manipur. When I was called to represent Manipur in the Northeast Festival to be the showstopper, I went with the intention of supporting my state, spreading awareness among the thousands of people present there. That was my only goal. So when my name was slandered, I was shocked and hurt,” Soma who has predominantly acted in Manipuri films said.
Manipur Civil Body, Kanglei-pak Kanba Lup (KKL) has issued a ban against Soma barring her from acting in films for the next three years. She has also been prohibited from attending any social event for the same time period.
The decision comes after Soma appeared as Show Stopper in a beauty pageant during the North East Festival which was organized by My Home India at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on September 16. This apparently irked KKL, a self-styled civil society organisation in her home state.
If reports are to be believed, the civil society organization was angered after the actor chose to take part in the event at a time when the crisis is just refusing to die in Manipur.
As per reports, KKL had requested Soma not to be part of such festivities and celebrations amid the ongoing turmoil in Manipur.
The civil society organisation further warned that if individuals or groups are found associating with her despite the boycott, they too will have to face consequences.
Soma, in a statement, has strongly opposed the ban and said that, as an artist and as a social influencer, she has every right to voice her opinion wherever it is needed.
“Having been a very outspoken person from the very start of the violence, I have always been a supporter of my motherland, Manipur,” Soma added.
“I want to thank all my supporters, however, it is also very disappointing that the focus of the war has shifted towards me. My situation is only a tiny faction compared to the violence in Manipur,” Soma said.
Some of Soma’s popular Manipuri films are Nurei, Hoo Chaage, Loibataare Ta Raju, and Chanu IPS.
In 2021 she had joined the Republican Party of India – Athawale (RPI-A).
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