Irom Sharmila's personal life as a main headline rather than her struggle
- Just Peace Foundation (JPF) -

Imphal, 5 September 2011

JUST PEACE FOUNDATION
C/o Human Rights Alert
Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai,
Imphal - 795001, Manipur
Email: justpeacefoundation(at)gmail(dot)com

Just Peace Foundation (JPF) is deeply grateful to Naga, Assamese and other north eastern brothers and sisters for rendering their solidarity support towards Irom Sharmila’s iconic struggle to garner peace and democracy in the conflict regions of North East.

On the flip side JPF is happy to note Sharmila has finally hit the headline on national newspaper but atlas to drive a wedge between her and her supporters rather than highlighting the cause she has endured for over a decade.The article can be available at
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110905/jsp/frontpage/story_14465704.jsp .

JPF has an apprehensions and shock to learn today’s The Telegraph paper which comes out the story of Sharmila’s personal life as a main headline rather than her struggle. It would be more fruitful if her cause comes as a priority. The coverage seems to come out as driving wedge between her and her supporters against the struggle of AFSPA, which is very unfortunate at this juncture.

JPF would be happy to encourage media to be little more sensitive in covering these issues. They should also be aware that extraordinary restrictions have been placed in anybody wanting to meet her, including her family, while free access is given to selected media from national newspapers. State government is forcing her to solitary confinement and selective media groups take undue advantage of her mental state created by her isolation. It is also known that there is a long line of visitors who have been denied, or else inordinately delayed, in getting an appointment with her despite formal official application in the specified procedure.

Let it be known JPF appreciates her personal choice, and private aspirations.

JPF appeals and strongly supports the arduous struggle of Irom Sharmila against the military law (AFSPA) and we have nothing to say on her personal life. We would like to appeal to the people of Manipur and elsewhere to not confuse her personal life and public struggle which has been going on for over a decade.

JPF is deeply concerned that the mainstream media often downplay and even malign the movement. The national media is conspicuous by its silence on matters of supporting and empowering the democratic movement of Irom Shamila. Instead major mainstream media seem to be more interested in diluting the struggle even as a wave of democratization movement is sweeping India.

Jyotilal Longjam
Co-ordinator
(On behalf of Managing Trustee - JPF)