'Government ready to talk to Maoists but not to peaceful fighter against AFSPA’
Civil society activists on Sunday observed a daylong fast at Jantar Mantar here, urging the government to initiate talks with activist Irom Sharmila, who has been on a peaceful fast for the past 12 years for repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur.
Ms. Sharmila began her fast on November 5, 2000, a couple of days after Assam Rifles soldiers had mowed down 10 civilians at Malom village in the Imphal valley.
“We want to send out the message that Irom Sharmila is not alone. We feel for her because she is a true democrat and a true Gandhian. She has every right to be heard. Her struggle shows her faith in democracy and non-violence,” said Devika Mittal, from Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), which is opposed to the neglect and suppression of the Manipuri activist’s peaceful fast.
“It is quite unfortunate that the government is ready to talk to Maoists but not to Sharmila, who responded to the extreme violence perpetrated by misusing the AFSPA with extreme peace,” said Rishikesh from Jamia Millia Islamia. Now the ‘Iron lady of Manipur’ was being force-fed through the nose at the state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences close to her Kongpal Kongkham Leikai residence in Imphal East, he said.
SSSC member Ravi Nitesh said the Army had reduced the AFSPA to a tool for violating human rights. “In a season when people are going on fast and the entire country’s political class engages in talks with them, it’s quite shocking that in these 12 years the government has not acknowledged her peaceful fast,” said Mr. Nitesh, who was among the 12 civil society activists who observed the daylong fast.
Gufran Khan, a student activist, called upon the judiciary to intervene, saying the executive was oblivious to the blatant rights violations in the entire north-east. He highlighted the fact that Ms. Sharmila had last month refused the Kovilan Smaraka Activist India National Award given by the Kerala-based Kovilan Trust, saying she would not accept any honour from any individual or organisation until and unless the AFSPA was scrapped.
Keywords: Irom Chanu Sharmila, Iron Lady of Manipur, protest fast, AFSPA, Assam Rifles, Malom encounter, Imphal Valley
"Peaceful fast for the past 12 years for repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur."
It can happen in India only. Where is electronic media ? what they are doing.I request the E media to make this issue an international issue.
I request the E media not to follow only HOT subject, follow these type of protest.
Isn't it high time someone called her an anti-national and agent of some foreign country? This is the name given to anyone who speaks up against the nation, as laid down by the people who rule us. Frankly speaking, no one in India gives a damn. As long as it does not hurt me, rather if it promises to benefit me even though it may cost someone else much more than my own benefit, I am cool with that. These people do not exist for us. So, go ahead, insert stones in the private parts of a hundred Soni Soris, beat a hundred Pratap Saves to death, and what the heck, let this woman starve to death. All the better, if it gives my MBA son a job in some firm developing the nation. Sweeping insignificant people out of the way of development is nothing new for us. Protests? Who will protest? The vocal sell themselves to new gods. The meek die and nobody remembers them after a few years. God save the Kings of India.
I Salute this great figure who has became an Icon for entire womanhood
across the country. However even more saddening to see that the Govt
of India is not even taking an action against this. If the people of
entire Manipur wants AFSPA to be removed , i see no reason the purpose
of delay. There are news of woman being raped and tortured by the forces and shielded by AFSPA. I
believe that the Force was implemented to bring peace and security to
the State however it turns out to be otherway. Havoc and chaos
created in the entire state, woman not being able to roam free because
they are being raped and tortured by the Force. What good are they
seriously. Sharmila's fasting and sacrifice is going in vain. Had it
been Anna Hazare or some great political figures ,there would have
been some prompt action already taken. Shame on the Govt.
"Democracy" at its best.
a fight that we should all join.........sadly we are such sad state. so
sorry for us indians
I think if she is sincere in her demand, she must change her course of
action. Or perhaps, she is hell bent on creating a Guinness record of
sorts that can never ever be broken.It is really surprising that there
are still people who are not bothered about the tax payers' efforts and
keep going on , without achieving the goal.! How do you call it ?
Why is the AFSPA still in existence in Manipur? Why don't we have
discussions in public forums on why it is still active there? I am sure
if it was active in Maharastra or UP, people would be against it and it
would have been in national media. However because it is in a NE state,
nobody is bothered. That is bad for a united country.
The AFSPA should be removed from North Eastern States as ceasefire has been declared by most of the militant outfits.Govt should make an endeavour to resolve issues with iron fist but certainly it should enforce law but not kill innocent people.The human rights violaters be brought to book.I am with the iron lady of manipur on the subject and for her fight for justice.
we should salute for her courage and strength, not physical but mental
strength, her determination, strong will. for the past twelve years she
has been waging war against the government, single handedly. good
samaritan. better sense will prevail and good things are bound to happen
in the near future. she is nightingale of Manipur, not iron lady.
she is a role model to all of us. pray god to give her more strength.
It would be appropriate for the SC to take this matter into its fold and take a decision without further waiting for govt's decision as the matter is belated and the situation is grim.
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