The National Commission for Minorities, led by Iqbal Singh Lalpura, is tasked with protecting rights of minorities, and often issues notices when minority communities are misrepresented, particularly in audio-visual media and the entertainment industry. This time around, it has taken up the cudgels for a late member from the minority who was not represented at all. It has noted that the web series 'Trial by Fire', running on Netflix and based on the 1997 Uphaar cinema fire tragedy in Delhi, “does not depict the role of brave Sikh hero Captain Manjinder Singh Bhinder”. The NCM said Bhinder and his family had stayed behind to help others instead of escaping, and by not showing his story Netflix has “discriminated’’ against Sikhs and “hurt sentiments” of the community. The OTT giant has been asked to review the matter. Presence Tense As Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Imphal on Monday evening amid tension in Manipur, a political row erupted over the late-night meeting he held to assess the situation in the state. With BJP in-charge of the state, Sambit Patra, also being present in the meeting, the Opposition wondered whether it was an official meeting. “How can Sambit Patra attend this official meeting chaired by the Home Minister in Imphal,” Congress leader Pawan Khera tweeted. Shah is visiting Manipur to resolve the situation and met both officials and politicians for this, sources said. Others present in the meeting included Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, some state ministers and senior MHA and Manipur officials.
