It Takes Guts To Fast
Pengba Aruuba Eshingee *
Irom Chanu Sharmila on 9th March 2009
Eleven years, nine months and still counting. Far away from the spotlights and the platoon of TV cameras, in that room of JN Hospital, Porompat which has become her nest, Iron Sharmila continues her fast.
Much water has flown down the Imphal river since that fateful day -- November 2, 2000 when Malom became the deathbed of 10 innocent civilians, mowed down by the bullets of CRPF. The agitation factory of Manipur has since moved on. Beyond AFSPA and intermittent general strikes and economic blockades, imposition of Inner Line Permit in the state is the latest on the production line.
Yet, for "Mengoubi" the lifting of Armed Forces Special Forces-1958 (AFSPA) remains her uncompromisable demand, despite many calling the lifting of the Act from seven assembly constituencies in Greater Imphal area on August 11, 2004 as her partial victory.
Contrast this with the affable old man from Ralegan Siddhi, who set out on a mission to root out corruption from the Indian society. The intention so genuine, but Anna Hazare's methods never had the approval from one and all, including yours truly.
Largely supported by TV news channels seeking higher TRPs, frustrated middle class hooked on Facebook and Twitter, Team Anna thought it had the support of the people of India. Yes, who on earth, let alone India, would not want to have a corruption free society.
But, can the views of 50,000 people claim it to be the sentiments of a country of over 1.2 billion? Can you dictate the functioning of a democratically elected Parliament from the streets just because you think you are a Gandhian and can fast? That was where the end just could not justify the means.
If you claim that you represent people, then there is nothing more beautiful than democracy that gives you a chance to serve the people better by participating in electoral politics and entering Parliament. You can frame laws as you deem fit, provided you have the majority rather than fasting in the streets in vain.
Thankfully, Team Anna has realised that and within a year, the real face of the anti-corruption movement is coming to the fore -- the political ambitions of the "core committee".
It was sensible of Arvind Kejriwal, a core Team Anna man, to listen to the advise of well wishers to stop fasting as
his health was deteriorating. So was Hazare's. But what have they achieved? Lokpal Bill remains a distant
dream and corruption is as was before.
Turn to Sharmila. One can say with surety that she too must have been advised by many well wishers to give
up fast. She has at least been able to get rid of AFSPA from certain parts of Manipur, if not from the entire state.
She has at least something to show that her efforts have not gone in vain. Yet, she continues her fast. For
her, the Act must be repealed and let Manipuris live without the fear of being killed anywhere, anytime by
the very people who are supposed to protect them.
While Team Anna has chosen the easier route, Sharmila continues her dogged struggle. Her mission is far from over. And yes it takes guts to fast!
* Pengba Aruuba Eshingee, a pseudonym, writes regularly to e-pao.net
The writer can be reached on twitter @pengba
This article was webcasted on August 04 2012.
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