MACTA General Secretary offers olive branch to breakaway group

Kochi, Jun 15 (UNI) The ongoing off-screen drama in the Malayalam film industry, which saw the representative body Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) Federation splitting this week, took another turn today with Association General Secretary and Film Director Vinayan stating that he was ready to step down if the breakaway group returned to the parent organisation.

Addressing a special convention here of the Malayalam Cine MACTA, an umbrella organisation comprising 19 unions, Mr Vinayan said he was ready for a compromise with those who had split away from the organisation.

Alleging that there were moves to destroy trade unionism in the Malayalam film industry, the director said no one would be allowed to sabotage the federation, which was formed after a lot of struggle.

''If my resignation will help to solve the problem in the industry, then I am ready to give way. But they (the breakaway group) should return to the parent organisation,'' he added.

Several leading film directors and other artistes split from MACTA earlier this week, protesting against Mr Vinayan's ''dictatorial'' style of functioning. The breakaway group is due to announce the formation of a new group tomorrow.

UNI ARC PY NS1952