Marathon hunger striker Irom Chanu Sharmila today refused to appear before JMIC, Imphal West. Although, she was supposed to appear before CJM Imphal West, Sharmila was directed to appear before JMIC Imphal as the Judge of the former Court was on leave.However, the anti-AFSPA campaigner refused to appear before the Court. The Court fixed May 31 […]
Marathon hunger striker Irom Chanu Sharmila today refused to appear before JMIC, Imphal West. Although, she was supposed to appear before CJM Imphal West, Sharmila was directed to appear before JMIC Imphal as the Judge of the former Court was on leave.However, the anti-AFSPA campaigner refused to appear before the Court. The Court fixed May 31 […]
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/05/sharmila-stays-away/
New Delhi, Apr 27 : A demand was made in the Lok Sabha today for repeal of the “draconian” Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the North East, with a few members saying it was the biggest deterrent in integrating the youth of the region with India. Participating in a discussion on the Demands
New Delhi, Apr 27 : A demand was made in the Lok Sabha today for repeal of the “draconian” Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the North East, with a few members saying it was the biggest deterrent in integrating the youth of the region with India. Participating in a discussion on the Demands
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/04/repeal-afspa-from-north-east-call-rings-out-in-ls/
By Oken Jeet Sandham I fully agree with the President Pranab Mukherjee that “Women empowerment is impossible in the absence of their representation in legislative bodies.” He said this while attending the inaugural function of the two-day national conference of women legislators on “Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India.” It is true that we can never
By Oken Jeet Sandham I fully agree with the President Pranab Mukherjee that “Women empowerment is impossible in the absence of their representation in legislative bodies.” He said this while attending the inaugural function of the two-day national conference of women legislators on “Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India.” It is true that we can never
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/03/i-support-33-percent-womens-reservation-in-state-assemblies-and-parliament/
IMPHAL, January 29: Anti AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila would once again fail to appear before the Metropolitan Magistrate Patiala House Court complex, New Delhi with the home department yet to sanction her travelling cost. A a reliable source has …
IMPHAL, January 29: Anti AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila would once again fail to appear before the Metropolitan Magistrate Patiala House Court complex, New Delhi with the home department yet to sanction her travelling cost. A a reliable source has informed the IFP that the Anti AFSPA crusader is due to appear before the court
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/01/sharmila-to-miss-court-appearance-again/
NEW DELHI, November 6: No Indian Governments in the last 57 years in India, including the present Narendra Modi government, have heeded to the people’s demand to repeal the oppressive
NEW DELHI, November 6: No Indian Governments in the last 57 years in India, including the present Narendra Modi government, have heeded to the people’s demand to repeal the oppressive military instrument of the Indian state called the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Narendra Modi, his predecessors and Indian government officials do not bother even to meet Irom Sharmila, who has been fasting for the last 15 years to repeal this Act, showing the undemocratic and colonial characters of the Indian state, said a press release by Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD).
Students participating in Delhi Demonstration in Solidarity for entering 16 years of Hunger strike by Irom Sharmila
MSAD has stated in the press release that this year’s November 5 has added another year to Irom Sharmila’s resistance against the martial law and culture of impunity enjoyed by the Indian armed forces under the power of AFSPA. In the ‘Indian sub-continent’, Indian state indulges in crimes against humanity and Sharmila uses her body as the weapon in the fight against the inhuman and draconian Act and becomes a political prisoner. To recall, the immediate spark of her steadfast hunger strike was the Malom massacre by the Indian soldiers in Manipur that killed ten civilians, including women and children on November 2, 2000.
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act is a notorious instrument of State terrorism, humiliations, prolonged detentions, tortures, killings, destructions, traumas, deprivations and disturbances; the logical culmination is unrestraint widespread culture of impunity by the state forces. This Act serves the agenda of creating a category of suspects and ‘disturbed areas’ to be oppressed at will; to suppress democratic voices against oppressive political regimes, exploitative market forces and destructive projects. The Act is symptomatic of an undeclared war trajectory superimposed on a category of subjected people, whose political aspirations and democratic rights are marginalized in the name of India’s security. The brutality of the colonial rule that British India had faced in the 1940s is what we are experiencing under a different political jargon called ‘disturbed areas, added MSAD in the press release.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/msad-stands-with-irom-sharmila-to-repeal-afspa/
PRESS RELEASE Irom Sharmila appeared before the metropolitan magistrate Akash Jain in the Patiala session court of Delhi on 5th and 6th June 2015. The Court was required to record statements of
PRESS RELEASE
Irom Sharmila appeared before the metropolitan magistrate Akash Jain in the Patiala session court of Delhi on 5th and 6th June 2015. The Court was required to record statements of the witnesses that included the doctors along with another person who had recorded the protest of Jantar Mantar when Irom Sharmila was in Delhi in 2006.
In this case, the Delhi police had lodged FIR upon Irom Sharmila under section 309 of “Attempt to suicide’. Now as doctors did not come, the next date was given by the court with the hope that it will be the final hearing.
Save sharmila solidarity campaign (SSSC) members accompanied Irom Sharmila in the Court and were present in the court in solidarity. Campaign observed that though it was a judicial requirement, but such kind of hearings are mere unnecessarily harassment on the name of section 309 upon a human rights activist. It is a clear contradiction in Irom Sharmila’s case as while she is fighting for right to life, she is being charged with the allegation of taking away the right to life.
It is also observed that despite Irom Sharmila’s desire to meet Prime minister of India, prime minister Office have not called for any meeting yet. It is her demand since long time that she is hopeful with democracy and she wants to meet Prime minister. Save Sharmila Soldarity Campaign believes that not calling a meeting with her is actually a denial of state to meet this crusader of non-violence. It is a time when Irom Sharmila has global supporters to raise voice for her cause, but despite all efforts and unparalleled sacrifice and struggle, Indian state is continuously ignoring and suppressing her. It is unfortunate that the government is giving priority of talks with those who are adopting violent ways, but it is continuously ignoring the non-violence.
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign is already involved in campaigning and will increase its activities from coming months to spread awareness and to advocate for the cause of Irom Sharmila.
SSSC also condemns the Manipur attack and the questioning of demand of repeal of AFSPA. It was reported and SSSC reiterates the statement of Irom Sharmila who had condemned the Manipur attack. She regarded the killing of soldiers to be shocking and shameful. She has always condemned killing which is the reason for her protest. She regards killing, no matter by whom, as shameful and unacceptable. She had also said that this incident happened in a region which is under full control of AFSPA but still it happened. It shows that AFSPA has not been the solution.
SSSC agrees and fully supports her view. SSSC feels that such attacks are also failure of state itself as it seems that state has not even capable of protecting its own functionaries. Also, the fact remains that the common people are the sufferers of atrocities of both the state and anti-state groups. Through AFSPA, the state has been involved in performing extreme atrocities upon common people in past. SSSC believes that imposing hard laws like AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) in civil areas are of no use and it has been used against people widely. There must be a strategy to remove AFSPA from all areas of North East and J&K as without it confidence building cannot be done. AFSPA is a failed law and it must go.
Press Release issued by
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign
http://repealafspa.blogspot.in
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/irom-sharmilas-court-appearance-insensitivity-of-state/
North-East Forum for International Solidarity Date – 30th Oct 2014 Press-release North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) condemns the whole Judicial Process and travesty of Irom Sharmila’s : North-East Forum
North-East Forum for International Solidarity
Date – 30th Oct 2014
Press-release
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) condemns the whole Judicial Process and travesty of Irom Sharmila’s :
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) condemns the whole judicial process and travesty of Irom Sharmila. NEFIS is against this type of judicial procedure where a peaceful protester protesting against injustice and draconian law AFSPA is pulled to such harassment. It is an justice done to her even after a long fasting of 14 years. Not only the people of North-East but also the people all over the country should come together and fight against such Draconian law AFSPA, where the rights of humanity is being violated. And it is the high time that the Indian Government look forward to the demand of the movement and especially the protest of Irom Sharmila and this judicial travesty should be stop as earliest.
Also Today after the court hearing, a delegation of NEFIS also met Irom Sharmila and extended its Solidarity in support of Irom Sharmila’s struggle and for the Scraping of Arms Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA).
Chinglen Koumukchom (Convenor, North-East Forum for International Solidarity)
Contact: 7838983871
Hem Chandra Brahma (Media Coordinator, North-East Forum for International Solidarity)
Contact: 9818689635
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/nefis-pr-condemn-whole-judicial-process-and-travesty-of-irom-sharmila/
PRESS RELEASE SSSC CONDEMNS IROM SHARMILA’S RE-ARREST Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) is a nation-wide campaign in support of Irom Sharmila and for the repeal of the draconian law of
PRESS RELEASE
SSSC CONDEMNS IROM SHARMILA’S RE-ARREST
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) is a nation-wide campaign in support of Irom Sharmila and for the repeal of the draconian law of AFSPA. For three years now, it has been working to spread awareness, mobilise support and generate political pressure to repeal the law. In this regard, it has organised awareness campaigns, public demonstrations, two nation-wide awareness rallies, nation-wide signature campaign, met NHRC chairperson, written letters to PMO, the President and other authorities etc. It is an umbrella of many civil society organisations.
On 19th August, Imphal Court in its humane judgement had ordered to release Irom Sharmila as it stated that “no supportive evidence of attempted suicide” was found. But today, the Manipur police had forcibly re-arrested her.
SSSC condemns this re-arrest. Ravi Nitesh, core member of SSSC remarked, “The arrest of Irom Sharmila is shameful and undemocratic. Instead of focusing on her demand, her issue, the Government is only responding by arresting her. It is shameful that in these 14 years, the “concerned” Govt. of both state and centre have not made a single attempt to open talks with her.” “The Govt. must also know that by arresting her, they cannot suppress her thoughts, her ideology,” he added.
Pankaj Pathak core member of SSSC stated, “She is being arrested on the claim of attempting suicide while she has always refuted this claim. She has re-iterated several times that she loves her life and is only demanding rights, equality and justice for everyone. Why doesn’t the Govt focus on the reason, on her statement?”
Devika Mittal, core member of SSSC, said, “It is shameful that that they can only see her as a law offender but not as a victim. It is shameful that in this democracy, the victim is imprisoned instead of the culprit. AFSPA is the culprit and this has been established by Govt-appointed committees, national and international human rights’ organizations and even judiciary. ”
SSSC believes that AFSPA must be repealed as an immediate measure. It should be noted that even government’s own committees have recommended the measures to do the same. The continuous violation must need to stop. Also, Government must come forward to express its ‘willing’ attitude of resolving the problem rather than ignoring the peaceful and non violent struggle of Irom Sharmila. SSSC considers Irom Sharmila as its leader and will always stand for her support for the very cause of truth, justice, humanity and peace. At the same time, SSSC demands with the government to remove the case of ‘attempt to suicide’ from her and to make her free to communicate with her supporters. Until the demands will be fulfilled, the struggle and demonstrations will continue.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/sssc-condemns-irom-sharmilas-re-arrest/
IMPHAL, May 24: The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East will announce its verdict on June 4 after the formal charge hearing against Irom Sharmila ends on Saturday. Sharmila has been
Sharmila coming out of the court room
IMPHAL, May 24: The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East will announce its verdict on June 4 after the formal charge hearing against Irom Sharmila ends on Saturday.
Sharmila has been under judicial custody on charges of attempting suicide under section 309 of Indian Panel Court for not partaking food. She remains steadfast on her fast unto death until her demand for repeal of AFSPA from the state is met.
The Superintendent of Police (SP), Prisons, Goulangmang, who was summoned on May 21 for not submitting Sharmila’s health status report, appeared before the court today.
After the hearing, Sharmila said she wishes to meet the new Prime Minister to inform him about the hardships faced by people due to the imposition of AFSPA, adding that she hasn’t asked for an appointment so far.
Stating that there was no problem with her health, she replied that she didn’t have any faith in politicians when asked about her opinion on the JD (U)’s decision to join her struggle.
“If they are honest and join the fight until the demand is conceded, it will be good for me and the people too,” she stated.
She said if her defense lawyers are not able to provide her justice, the social activists and others would.
Briefing the media, Sharmila’s counsel Khaidem Mani said that the legal charge hearing against Sharmila was over and on June 4 the court would announce its verdict.
Stating that the S0 (Prisons) submitted reports to the court on her mental and physical status which were found to be normal. He said something is amiss in the charges against her because hers is not an attempt to commit suicide but a fast unto death demanding the wellbeing of every citizen.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/formal-charge-hearing-against-sharmila-ends-verdict-on-june-4/
The post Save Sharmila Campaign and Mission Bhartiyam: PROTEST AGAINST RAMBAN (J&K) KILLING AT JANTAR MANTAR appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.
PRESS RELEASE: PROTEST AGAINST RAMBAN (J&K) KILLING AT JANTAR MANTAR New Delhi July 21: On the appeal of Save Sharmila Campaign and Mission Bhartiyam, a protest was organised against the Ramban Massacre by BSF that claimed 6 lives and injured 44 … Continue reading →
The post Save Sharmila Campaign and Mission Bhartiyam: PROTEST AGAINST RAMBAN (J&K) KILLING AT JANTAR MANTAR appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.
The post Save Sharmila Campaign and Mission Bhartiyam: PROTEST AGAINST RAMBAN (J&K) KILLING AT JANTAR MANTAR appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.
New Delhi July 21: On the appeal of Save Sharmila Campaign and Mission Bhartiyam, a protest was organised against the Ramban Massacre by BSF that claimed 6 lives and injured 44 others.
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign is a nation-wide campaign in support of Irom Sharmila and for the repeal of the draconian law of AFSPA. For two years, it has been working to spread awareness, mobilise support and generate political pressure to repeal the law. It is an umbrella of many civil society organisations. The protest was joined and supported by many progressive groups namely AISA, Campus Front of India, Jamia Teachers’ Solidarity Association, NCHRO, PUCL, J&K RTI and PUDR among several others.
The BSF had opened fired on a mob that was protesting against the alleged manhandling by BSF personnel of a local imam, followed by the reported desecration of the Holy Quran the previous night. The following morning, a group of protestors had reached a BSF post in Gool in Ramban district and they were responded with a massacre.
The organisers believe that this shameful and unacceptable incident called Ramban massacre is, however, not a sudden reaction to the protest.
“The Ramban incident is a prima facie case of coercive method adopted by the security personals. It highlights the highhanded attitude of the security forces that they have acquired over a period time due to their absolute powers and the impunity granted to them”, said Ravi Nitesh, founder of Mission Bhartiyam.
“This protest is about this unacceptable massacre, it is to show our solidarity with the victims and demand justice but it has been organised to attack the root. We know that this incident is not the first incident in Kashmir. These inhuman incidents are quite frequent in Kashmir and in states of North East because draconian laws like AFSPA breed them. We are here today to appeal for humanity, to demand the repeal of AFSPA.” remarked Devika Mittal, core member of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign.
The organizers believe that real justice for the victims of the massacre will be to attack the “root” cause i.e. militarization and draconian laws like AFSPA that has led to fake encounters, rape and killings of civilians.
“It is unfortunate that these incidents are happening in the World’s largest “democracy”. It is unfortunate that these killings are justified in the name of upholding the ‘integrity’ of the nation. We feel that development, basic civil rights, basic amenities and justice should be used to uphold the ‘integrity’ not torture.” said V Arun Kumar of AISA.
“There is a long list of incidents where security personals of almost all wings have violated the human rights in J&K. There have been fake encounters, torture, rapes etc. in the state but nothing has been done to prosecute the culprits till now. So there is every reason to believe that like other similar incidents before, there will be no action taken by the government against security personals in Ramban massacre too. In such situation the only option left for the democratic forces to raise voice against such injustices”, said Mohammad Tanveer of Campus Front of India.
Asad Ashraf from Jamia Solidarity Students told that “unless and until there is demilitarization, the situation will not improve in J&K. We must know that dissatisfaction is a primary reason for increase in insurgent activities so it’s high time that we think about “their” welfare, not “ours”.
Kaashif who was here from Chhatra Vimarsh magazine, remarked that “How do we take pride in being the world’s largest “democracy” when democracy is not extended to all states within our own country.”
Manjit from PUDR remarked, “It is tragic that Kashmiris are looked upon as “anti-national”, as “anti-Indian”. It is true that there are anti-state slogans in Kashmir but this is because the only symbol of India i.e. the army has created hell in their land”.
The protest was supported by renowned Activists like Gautam Navlakha, Prashant Bhushan, Manisha Sethi and many others. Though they could not be present. they had The protest was joined in by many people from Kashmir and even from states of North-East.
Dr, Muzaffar Bhat of J&K chapter of RTI remarked, “This incident happened in Jammu which is seen to be more “peaceful”. So there cannot be any justification. It shows that the entire Kashmir is under attack. ”
The organisations demands the repeal of AFSPA, it demands the de-militarisation of all civilian areas in the AFSPA-imposed states, to investigate all crimes committed under it, to prosecute the guilty persons, compensate the victims and just initiatives to improve the situation in J&K and in the states of North-East. They will be submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister, to the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Defence.
For more information, call Devika Mittal +91 9582129927
The post Save Sharmila Campaign and Mission Bhartiyam: PROTEST AGAINST RAMBAN (J&K) KILLING AT JANTAR MANTAR appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/07/save-sharmila-campaign-and-mission-bhartiyam-protest-against-ramban-jk-killing-at-jantar-mantar/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=save-sharmila-campaign-and-mission-bhartiyam-protest-against-ramban-jk-killing-at-jantar-mantar
11 DAYS, 11000 PETITIONS for 11 YEARS 10JULY-20JULY In an another step towards raising voice in favor of Irom Sharmila, Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) has started an online petition drive from July 10 2012. Volunteers of the campaign &…
11 DAYS, 11000 PETITIONS for 11 YEARS 10JULY-20JULY In an another step towards raising voice in favor of Irom Sharmila, Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) has started an online petition drive from July 10 2012. Volunteers of the campaign … Continue reading
The post PETITION FOR IROM SHARMILA appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/07/petition-for-irom-sharmila/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=petition-for-irom-sharmila
PRESS NOTES Silently away from the blares of media it is but an inconvenient truth of the so-called largest democracy of the world. 9\11 is the day of the year… Read more »
Silently away from the blares of media it is but an inconvenient truth of the so-called largest democracy of the world. 9\11 is the day of the year 1958 when the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) was signed into a law by his Excellency the President of India, the most draconian and undemocratic legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament. Since then, without any break and judicial review, the black law has been in force in the region. The fact that the ‘right to life’ enshrined in the constitution is not a privilege of all may come as a surprise to many. It was an attack on democracy. While very few civil society organizations and individuals in Delhi has come forward to show solidarity to Irom’s cause, not many have joined her cry of repeal of AFSPA. The need to observe the 9/11 is to initiate discussions around such inconvenient truths. Let’s join the black day observation against the Draconian law, at Arts Faculty, Delhi University, on 9/11/2011 from 11am to 4pm. It is organized to support the world longest fast by Irom Sharmila and the cause to repeal AFSPA. Planning meeting of the worldwide protest on 5 November 2011 as Irom Sharmila is completing 11 years of fast will also be held during the observation. All the people from sections of societies are invited to join the observation.
BEERHUREKHA SAMOM
President Manipur Student’s Association Delhi (MSAD)
SERAM ROJESH
Coordinator, Delhi: Just Peace Foundation (JPF)
Contact: 9250446722, 7503689305, 9718669413,
Date 9/9/11
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/911-day-observation-msad-and-just-peace-foundation/
Let us hope that Anna comes to Manipur. Manipur will resonate with Anna’s calls of Vande Mataram, Bharat Mata ki Jai and Jai Hind. The national tri colour will make… Read more »
Let us hope that Anna comes to Manipur. Manipur will resonate with Anna’s calls of Vande Mataram, Bharat Mata ki Jai and Jai Hind. The national tri colour will make our beautiful land, Manipur even more beautiful. Once this happens, most of Manipur’s problems will get solved. It will be interesting to see the reaction of that section of Irom Sharmila supporters who are against the tri colour, Vande Mataram, Jai Hind and Bharat Mata ki Jai. Let us hope they will be mesmerized by Anna to chant with him and change their attitude and outlook & usher in a new era of peace and development in our beautiful state.
Sent by: Bijoy Sharma
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/a-food-for-thought/
By: Seram Neken “If Irom Chanu Sharmila fasted for corruption and if Septuagenarian Anna Hazare protested against AFSPA, the matters would have been different. If Sharmila hails from mainland India… Read more »
By: Seram Neken
“If Irom Chanu Sharmila fasted for corruption and if Septuagenarian Anna Hazare protested against AFSPA, the matters would have been different. If Sharmila hails from mainland India and if Hazare is a native of Manipur, the vice versa of what is being strongly addressed by the government might have happened. This time, Sharmila expressed her whole-hearted moral support to Anna Hazare’s protest following the latter’s invitation. Had the invitation for joining the protest come from Sharmila to Anna Hazare, would the latter have responded readily ? ”
Great personalities are created where there is respect for human values. The dignity the British attached to Gandhiji as a freedom fighter helped him gain the fame worldwide and glorify his non-violence. Had MK Gandhi been born in a place like Manipur or had he undergone his protests against a government such as that of today’s Manipur, Gandhijis non-violence would not have gained its fame and he would not have been recognized as the father of the nation. Indifference of the rulers might have jeopardized his cause half-way or he might have ended his life in the bullets of mindless security people of this land.
The strikers whom politicians, media persons and the intellectuals are attentive to or glorify most, are considered as strong revolutionaries fighting for the people’s cause. If Irom Chanu Sharmila fasted for corruption and if Septuagenarian Anna Hazare protested against AFSPA, the matters would have been different. If Sharmila hails from mainland India and if Hazare is a native of Manipur, the vice versa of what is being addressed by the government might have happened. Let us examine the importance of the two causes between corruption and human rights, and let us compare the personalities of Sharmila and Hazare. Personality cult seems to out-do the issues. Sharmila has readily extended her support to the cause of Hazare’s protest following the latter’s invitation to join him. However, the nation has not responded to the call of Irom Chanu Sharmila for over ten years.
Sharmila has now become a symbol of peace, in the true sense of the term. She has earned the reputation of having the strongest will and heart for protection of human rights around the globe. She is not a mere striker, but a model of truth and justice. Gandhijis non-violence has been glorified by her personality in the twenty first century. It is not politically motivated and her demands represent the general will of the hapless people residing amidst the draconian laws of democratic India. In spite of neglects and indifference of the rulers for more than a decade, she never goes back. It is natural that Anna Hazare invited Sharmila to join his crusade against corruption. It is more natural that the Iron Lady expressed her moral support to the cause, but declined to join the fast in New Delhi for the Hazare cause. She rather blamed the nation for its indifference to the cause of human right violations.
The national media is highly discriminatory as did the government and political parties at the national level in regard to the dual cases of Sharmila and Hazare. Both strikers have been fighting for the social good, both have been following the non-violent means of fasting. However, Sharmila has almost crossed a decade of fasting, while Hazare’s appearance on the scene is quite recent as compared to the former. However, the national media have been disproportionately viewing the two protests. Intensity of the protests and the causes themselves have to be considered in balance while reporting to the people and drawing government’s attention.
Meanwhile, Dr. Manmohan Singh has written a nice letter to the septuagenarian protester with the highest concern for the latter’s health. In the letter, the Prime Minister says : “Over the last few days, I have watched with increasing concern of your health. Despite the differences between the government and your team, I don’t think that anybody is or should be in any doubt about the deep and abiding concern which I and our government share about your health, arising from your continuing fast. I have no hesitation in saying that we need your views and actions in the service of the nation, from a robust physical condition and not in the context of frail and failing health……..” The emotional care of the leader of the nation towards a Gandhian as shown in the letter is indeed envious and courteous, and highly expected of a leadership where the father of the nation was born. It is really lamentable that during the last more than a decade of Sharmila’s fasting, not a single courtesy of such kind has been exhibited towards her from the end of a nation’s leadership. Barring independent writers, political motivators and select media personalities, the nation has been keeping mum on her cause and protest. Now that Anna Hazare and his cause have gained widespread media coverage and government attention in a comparatively short duration, has reflected some kind of nostalgia in the hearts of the so called Indian citizens residing in the far border hilly state of Manipur. Let us uphold human rights while fighting against corruption at all levels.
(The writer is a freelance journalist)
The article was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Seram Neken.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/had-gandhiji-been-born-in-the-land-of-sharmila-%E2%80%A6/
Dr Irengbam Mohendra Singh June 10 2011 Last night I went to sleep in Bradford City. I dreamt about my mama and green rice fields of Khurukhul, their tall blades… Read more »
Dr Irengbam Mohendra Singh June 10 2011
Last night I went to sleep in Bradford City. I dreamt about my mama and green rice fields of Khurukhul, their tall blades fluttering in the gentle breeze, giving the green grasshoppers
a free joyful rollercoaster ride.
I had a spendid dinner in the comfort zone of our house, cooked by my wife who is a Cordon Bleu cook. I had Black label with soda while my wife had Glenmorangie on the rocks.
The starter was cauliflower and white stilton soup and the main course was cod fish wrapped in Parma ham, with roasted peppers, tomatoes and aubergines. A glass of red wine – Sauvignon Blanc enhanced the enjoyment. For dessert we had bread and butter pudding with rum and prunes.
I went to bed thinking of my childhood and growing up and career. In the mist and shadow of sleep I saw my native land, Manipur.
I swam in the dirty Nambul River in spate and dived in from the suspension bridge connecting Uripok with Sagolband. I strolled and played among the rows of tamarind trees along the dusty Uripok road. I went with the Uripok scout Party led by Moirangthem Gojendra to the Baruni Hill for the safety of boys and their girlfriends on the day Baruni ching Kaba – annual pilgrimage to the Baruni hill of our ancestors.
I heard the crow crowing at the break of dawn. I went to swim with friends in the ponds at Lamphel Pat under the shadow of the Langol Hills. I watched the cows grazing at Lamphel where sometime, I plucked a rare purple Konbirei (Manipuri Iris)
The epic tale of pride and passion overwhelmed me with shouts of liberty. I smiled at my tempestuous glee. But alas! I woke up in the middle of the night and recollection at hand brought me to despair. It was the political reality in Manipur.
Events seem to be flashing by at a gallop rather than the gentle hand-canter of yore
The political reality is that liberty is not going to come to Manipur in the foreseeable future and that the survival of our grand children depend on nothing but the hideous hope that one day peace will prevail.
In the erstwhile sovereign state of Manipur human rights and individual liberties were protected. But since India has forcibly annexed Manipur there has always been a risk that Manipur would defend itself by armed resistance, hurting its own people both in the short term and long term while hoping that the world’s “policeman” whether in the form of the USA or the UN may arrive to sort things out.
There will always be a government in Delhi that will not let Manipur regain its sovereignty and the government will function in the same way as the one it replaced. Because there are procedures of running a democratic government and they do not change.
“To be governed is to be watched, inspected, spied upon, directed, law-driven, numbered, regulated, enrolled, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, checked, estimated, valued, censured, commanded, by creatures who have neither the right nor the wisdom nor the virtue to do.” P.J.Proudhon.
“No government is ever in favour of freedom of the individual. It invariably seeks to limit that freedom, if not by overt denial, then by seeking to constantly widen its own functions. All
governments, of course, are against liberty…”–H.L. Menckenso.
But in Manipur there is an incremental feeling of loss of liberty by incrementally eroding peoples’ right to freedom because of the Delhi Government and the dictates of the insurgents.
Though there is no country in the world where the people in it are equally happy but in Manipur all the people are equally unhappy.
For Manipuris, the idea of an independent Manipur is an immensely noble idea and is nobler for those insurgents who have been sacrificing theirs and their families’ life. Manipur is not like Kashmir that wants to join Pakistan.
As life takes unexpected turns we don’t always get what we hope for and a meaningless hope comes to pick us up only to break us at the end.
The revolutionary movement or insurgencies began many decades ago. It is not going forward, if not backwards. The leader of a major group UNLF, RK Meghen is now in police custody. So is the leader of ULFA.
There is no revolutionary activity in Manipur. The agitation against the AFSPA is now in cold storage as there are no seditious activities apart from commercial activities like extortion, kidnapping and shooting of innocents, as the remnants of insurgency in the failed state of Manipur.
Still, New Delhi will not remove the AFSPA and is waiting for Irom Sharmila to succumb to her force feed.
Everyday, many insurgent cadres are arrested by the security forces and their arms seized, decimating the already minuscule insurgent strength. The Manipuris are in a state of inertia with no prospect of peace in sight.
Nobody in Manipur is safe and the education of school children is affected. There are so many young widows with their children in abject misery. So many grand projects remain unfinished because of corruption and undergrounds’ share of the funds.
A revolution (Latin revolutio, “a turn around”) is a fundamental change that takes place in a relatively short period of time. Its use to refer to political change dates from the scientific revolution occasioned by Copernicus’ famous De Revolutionbus Orbium Coelestium.
Aristotle described two types of political revolution: 1. complete change from one constitution to another and 2. modification of an existing constitution.
A revolution does not mean it has to be violent. And it can’t go on for ever. There will come a time in every Manipuri’s life when they get sick of trying to go for a change.
The progress to civilisation in Manipur has been delayed year by year. Restricted area permits discourage tourism in Manipur as well as non-resident Manipuri Indians. Tourism is the only Industry which will be viable for Manipur, giving employment to thousands.
The prevailing corruption and lawlessness in Manipur have shied away any mayang investor in Manipur’s economy while many qualified Manipuris seek jobs in mayang India and abroad, adding to other various causes of economic downturn in Manipur.
The question is how long will this political reality survive? In revolutionary terms, how long the Meitei revolutionaries who have been fighting for the independence of Manipur would go on while the civilian population who are fed up to the back teeth, will continue to live under the Indian military rule. Manipuris have no liberty unlike the rest of Indians.
Isn’t time for the revolutionaries to wear their hearts on the sleeves? Isn’t time for them to do some arithmetic and reassess the evolutionary survival chances of all Manipuris? The revolutionaries may come and go, while the public in Manipur remain in fear of when the next bullet is coming for them.
On the Plebiscite front, shouldn’t it be circumspect to find out its feasibility or infeasibility before the GOI takes further police action. Like all democratic methods, plebiscite requires
certain conditions for its successful operation. It has to be viewed from a background of
political, economical and psychological factors. Won’t it be prudent to have a gallop poll of a
cross section of 1,000 people in the plain and another 500 in the hills to test the temperature?
Likewise, for the Manipuri Nagas who are clamouring for secession from Manipur, isn’t time for them to revaluate the chances of their succeeding? They also can’t go on for ever. It will only delay their economic progress.
They have now devolution with limited power to exercise over their own welfare as a devolved sovereignty in an ethno-federated Manipur, though it is intended to work at the level of adherence to governmental institutions. The combination of devolution and local sovereignty preserves both majoritarian democracy and individual liberty. This allows liberty to exist independently and simultaneously.
As independence or secession is not a commodity that one can buy, how long will the people of Manipur wait in misery while the insurgents themselves are sacrificing their lives in hiding? How long will the Manipuri Naga people wait while their own people are living in abject poverty?
It has been many years since Meitei insurgencies began. Manipuri Naga secessionist activities
have taken much longer. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. There are only dark clouds on Manipur.
An insurgency can go on for decades as defeat is an unacceptable dishonour. However, in the interest of insurgents and the Delhi regime it can be brought to an end with an honourable compromise acceptable to both sides.
Lead kindly light amidst the encircling gloom. Lead thou me on. The night is dark and I am far from home. Lead thou me on.
The writer is based in the UK
Email: imsingh@onetel.com]
Website: www.drimsingh.co.uk
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/4H6kiuBQE7o/
By: Shanjoy Mairembam First think ‘Irom Sharmila’ as an Indian, as a woman, as a human; then, acknowledge the fact that she’s been fasting for the last 10yrs in practical… Read more »
By: Shanjoy Mairembam
First think ‘Irom Sharmila’ as an Indian, as a woman, as a human; then, acknowledge the fact that she’s been fasting for the last 10yrs in practical Gandhian style of non-violence asking Indian Govt to treat every Indians same within India and follow the democratic principles what India itself preaches to the whole world; also acknowledge that Iranian Nobel peace prize winner Shirin Ebadi met and supported her during the delhi visit; also, realise that Sharmila is no lesser suitable than Burmese Nobel Peace Prize winner ‘Aung San Suu Kyi’ as woman role model towards humanity; NOW Reason yourselves – Doesn’t ‘Irom Sharmila’ deserve to be nominated for Nobel Peace Prize; being the only Lady who is in history a living example/follower of Gandhian non-violence approach?
Dear Friends!
As part of celebrating ‘International Women’s Day’, let us share the info about ‘Irom Sharmila’ who is an Indian woman from Manipur State (located at north-eastern border of India, sharing international border with Myanmar/Burma). She has been a strong follower ‘MK Gandhi – Father of Nation in India’ not just theoretically but in practice. She has been on ‘FASTING’ for the last 10yrs (a whole decade) in Gandhian approach. Her simple request is “To remove the unlawful Act named ‘ Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958′ which gives uncontrolled legal rights for army officers/soldiers to shoot/kill anyone without having to go through any form of reasoning/justification in the areas (i.e. North-East Indian states) wherein the ACT is in force since 4-5 decades by now”. Please promote her cause and support her nomination for Nobel Peace Prize. Please make Indian govt realise its own mistake by the global audience and help the humanity.
What does her request means? –
The Govt of India ought to treat every Indians in the North-East Indian states same as other Indians in other parts of India, because North-East Indians (having mongoloid facial look similar to Chinese, Japanese, Koreans) are not some sort of foreigners who should have a separate set of laws to be followed while within India. It’s worth reminding newly that “India became ‘Republic’ as a country by combining a diverse and numerous kingdoms in the past prior to 1950”. So, the terminologies such as country ‘India’ and the people ‘Indians’ were created / realised practically only form 26th Jan 1950 onwards. Thus, the term ‘Indians’ are similar to the term ‘Americans referring to everyone settled legally within USA (i.e. French, Germans, Chinese, Japanese, Brazilians, Spanish, British etc) ‘.
So, Indian Govt and its constitution is absolutely WRONG to treat Indians in North-East part of India as some sort of aliens/foreigners by enacting/enforcing some unethical/inhumanly laws which should never be used on India’s own people. In fact, the AFSPA is the modified version of the ‘Rawlatt Act’ used by the then British Empire to curve/control the then Indian freedom struggle. So, Isn’t it wrong for Indian govt to treat North-East Indians as if some sort of colonised people in the 21st Century via some ACTs which are not recommended for use in other parts of India, when India claimed itself to be the greatest ‘Democratic & Republic country’ globally’? Either Indian govt should declare publicly/globally that there is a WAR going on in the North-East Indian states for such radical acts to be justified, or, clarify under the Indian constitutional framework (or International legal framework) how a part of democratic and republic India can have such radical laws in-force for 4-5 decades by now. In fact, such gross mistakes of Indian govt will tear down the whole concept of oneness ‘the Indian’ and the country ‘India’, since such acts discriminates among Indians and breaks down ‘unity in diversity’.
Being a responsible Indian citizen and being a responsible human being, we ought to open up the closed eyes & ears of Indian Govt to follow the democratic norms/laws which it preaches to the whole world first within India itself. Indian Govt and people of India need to refresh the lessons of ‘what does Diversity actually mean?’ because, ‘diversity’ seems to mean different things to different people and understanding ‘what should Diversity mean to Indians’ will help National Integration and prosperity of India as a country.
Author: Shanjoy Mairembam, London (UK)
shan_mairembam (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk
http://www.causes.com/causes/559021-nobel-peace-prize-for-irom-sharmila
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/l03RRzj6p0k/
The School of Oriental and African Studies, London (SOAS) is observing the centenary of the International Women Day in a week long celebration at the student’s lounge. As a part… Read more »
SOAS London in Solidarity with Iron Chanu Sharmila
The School of Oriental and African Studies, London (SOAS) is observing the centenary of the International Women Day in a week long celebration at the student’s lounge. As a part of this observation a public meeting was held in honour of Irom Sharmila Chanu on 04-March 2011
Photo By: Kanglaonline
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/tcxGc3D_A4M/
