Irom Sharmila, who has announced her plans to end her 16-year-old fast on August 9, appears to be under pressure from certain organisations to reconsider her decision.
On Wednesday night, the Alliance for Socialist Unity (ASU), formed by two proscribed insurgent groups, asked Ms. Sharmila to do a rethink. The Kangleipak Yawol Kunna Lup and the Kangleipak Communist Party that formed the ASU said it was her decision to end the fast, though it did not signify a defeat.
In June 2005, the Justice Reddy Commission had recommended the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act, 1958, in Manipur. Ms. Sharmila has been protesting against enforcement of the Act in the State. However, the Army maintains that the AFSPA is essential in its continuing crusade against insurgents.
While appearing before the Chief Judicial Magistrate at the Imphal West Court on July 26, Ms. Sharmila informed judge L. Tonsing that she planned to end her fast on August 9. The ASU said it felt that Ms. Sharmila was only giving some time to the people to reflect on her decision and give their opinions.
However, the organisation has asked Ms. Sharmila to reconsider her decision to marry an NRI.
Imminent downfall?
At a time when people are demanding inner line permit system to protect the indigenous, Ms. Sharmila’s decision has caused some concern. Since her decision is a personal matter, those who hold a divergent opinion apparently refrain from speaking out, though they are concerned over the imminent “downfall” of an icon.
Insurgents who take a dim view of politicians also said her decision to join electoral politics was wrong. "Several persons had joined politics on the promise to lift the AFSPA. However, soon after elections, they seem to go back on their word," they said.
