Irom Sharmila Debate : The Missing Link

Seram Neken *

Irom Chanu Sharmila produced before CJM, Imphal West on July 26 2016 :: Pix - Priyojit K

Sixteen years is an extraordinarily long period, particularly to a fasting human being. The twists and turns on a Hunger Striker's journey are natural. Not to talk of the presumptions of instigations to sabotage the marathon protest for removal of a draconian law from the soil of democratic India, it is natural that the protester explores new strategies to achieve its goal. May be in these lines, that Irom Chanu Sharmila has chosen another road which may lead to her destination of an AFSPA-free society.

The idea of using political platform to remove the anti-human and anti-democratic law from this land might have come to her mind, which has long been obsessed with desperation due to non-attention of law makers across democratic India. Now, on her expression of ending the one and half decade old fasting for what she termed as lackluster response from the side of the public as well as the dispensation, one can easily establish that she feels dejected at the existing political leadership.

Innumerable numbers of people or civil organizations have suffered a lot in the movement for removal of AFSPA, and in the struggle for saving the life of the Iron Lady during the course of 16-year period of the protest that began with Sharmila's announcement of fast-unto-death. During the hardest of the journey, she has endured a lot for the humanity, for the people's right to life, and for the democracy and justice.

The whole world has acknowledged her will and valour, which are only for the love of peace and humanity. Series of accords and rewards from across the globe have adorned her unique stand, for which various sections of people are now demanding Nobel Peace Prize for her. Now after 16 years of struggle, Irom Chanu Sharmila is no longer a figure only of this state.

Sharmila has become an apostle of justice, for the whole humanity. She is now a citizen of mankind, with no state, no boundary and no affiliation. This writer is now in deep poverty of words to describe the quality of the Iron Lady and her extraordinary love of humanity. All humans on this earth realize it, acknowledge it and are even ready to support her cause at least in their hearts. Literally speaking, the ownership of Irom Chanu Sharmila does no longer lie in her very person. The lady has become the precious possession of the Humanity as a whole.

On my post on social media which reads " Where has the Iron Lady gone ?", many of the netizens commented either with optimism and encouragement to her changed stand or in utter desperation. Feeling dissatisfaction over the lack of unity among the people of Manipur, Child Right Activist Montu Ahanthem lamented, 'But she has a good reason for the step she has taken, it's an eye opener to our divided society'. Congratulating Sharmila's way of subtle defiance, Dr Nongthonbam Jiten of Indo-Myanmar Study Centre, Manipur University commented, 'Why lamenting, the decision taken up by the lady rather helps to show to the world the irrelevance of non-violence in a democratic country like India'.

On my question 'Will she redefine democratic elections with an iron hand ?', Prof Bimol Akoijam of JNU replies that 'Honestly speaking...not very likely', the comment which reflects the lack of faith in the electoral politics in bringing justice to mankind. Prof. Bimol further comments that 'beware of those who says it is her personal decision or respect her etc...check out their position on AFSPA which is more important and what did they do about the same..'. Lauding the efforts of the Iron Lady, Human Right Activist Jinine Laishram says, 'No human being has done what Irom Chanu Sarmila has shown to us. It's not 16 days, it's a phenomenon of 16 Years against Indian Militarization. She has done for a cause for others. Loser is New Delhi failing to show us Justice done'.

A netizen Sunjay Kshetrimayum comments, 'She is still Iron Lady... we should respect her decision. She might have taken the decision after seeing pros and cons of her fasting... hope her wish comes true...'. UCM President Elangbam Johnson in her comments on my post suggests, 'let us not come into any conclusion for the moment. It may be simply out of anger and dissatisfaction over the government response to the issue of AFSPA and partly also of feeling in isolation in the recent days as not many could have all the time make their presence to her vicinity as the state is engulfed with so many issues like ILP, Naga Accord and so on . She must have been little sentimental but I am telling her that the entire Manipur as well as the entire North East is with her. Every day, we are all closely watching her and extending our support for the cause she has taken.' Johnson expresses optimism that she will surely withdraw her step.

Imphal Times Editor Rinku Khumukcham laments, '16 years - no one comes up in her support except shouting in papers and meeting her to present prizes and gifts and then some tried awards putting her as an object... when she was there continuing her fast at BT Park only few ladies numbering around sit near her. That whole night not a single person turn up to support her .... and now when she decided to change strategy of her protest everybody is making fun of her'. He further asks, 'Are not we responsible for this unexpected development ?'

Another Netizen Phillip Laishram opines, 'All said and done, we have to respect what she did for our land. 16 long years she went on a fast on her own accord. Something which I cannot even fathom.... Yes ! Politics is altogether a different ballgame but let's wait and watch...'

Author and journalist Oken Jeet Sandham expresses grief, while saying 'we cannot afford to lose Sharmila as we will never get another Sharmila...For decades, people have been fighting in various forms to repeal this so-called draconian and the controversial AFSPA. And it is true that Sharmila's 16-year long hunger strike has become epitome to millions of people worldwide and in fact, the world communities including Amnesty International have questioned Indian Government for imposing this draconian Act on Northeast as it violates the International Law. As expected, the mainland media will incorporate many unfounded stories into their stories to confuse the people. We have seen how people supported ILP movement, though differences cropped up particularly Churachandpur and the Valley. But all can rally behind movement against AFSPA and if the people like they supported the ILP movement come out and rally behind Sharmila, she will surely reconsider her decision.'

Assistant Professor of Manipur University Kshetri Anand comments 'Sharmila is also human being. If we want to change the law under the frame work of Indian constitution we must involve ourselves into politics. To contest election doesn't mean she will become a dirty politician like the ones we witness. If 31 sharmilas are sitting in the assembly then we can change things. I feel that her decision is a first step to change and we should support her. But how many Sharmilas will sit in the assembly that's the question.'

Listening to all the sincere comments on Sharmila Debate now, this writer feels that Sharmila's decision to join the political wagon to fulfill her cherished dream will turn a nightmare. Her efforts have been a thousand times more than the so called 'Politics'. Existing trust deficit in electoral politics cannot be regained with hundreds of Sharmilas. The system is corrupt, irrational and chaotic. Sharmila's sense of alienation from the public and the civil bodies is also a complete misunderstanding.

Of course, the struggle of a lady on fast for an odd 16 years has not gained the desired result of removing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. from this land. However, the quantum of fake encounters which had been a routine affair in the state for around a couple of decades has now dwindled considerably as an outcome of Sharmila's struggle. It is well established that her struggle has been gradually approaching towards the expected end, her protests have earned supports from all sections of peace loving humanity, not only of Manipur and India, but also of the world around. The only setback has been that Manipur state suffers from all kinds of ailments affecting all organs of its anatomy. Issue after issue, problem after problem and crises after crises apparently fluctuates the focus of attention of the general people towards the ongoing Anti-AFSPA movement. However, the movement for an AFSPA free society is continuously gaining momentum day by day.

Sharmila's likely change of strategy in her protest from the infamous longest ever historic fasting to seeking a mere political position is unexpected. To many of her fans, and followers of her campaign who have been shouting the slogan "Save Sharmila" for the last one decade or so, it is really a disappointment when she expresses the idea of shunting fast protest and joining the political wagon. This writer is of the humble opinion that Sharmila's decision is like jumping underneath the dirty sewerage from the golden palanquin she has been in. Has there been a missing link between the event managers of the movement and the iron-hearted crusader of all times ?