11 years of Fasting, the plea unheard, the struggle uncovered: Justice at Cross-roads
- Student Christian Movement of India -

02 November 2011:

A painting of Irom Sharmila by Robindro at an exhibited at a workshop at Dance College from 18th - 22nd Oct 2011 :: Picture Credit- Nicky Chandam

SCMI's Call for Solidarity in support of Ms. Irom Sharmila
11 years of Fasting, the plea unheard, the struggle uncovered: Justice at Cross-roads

On an 'All Soul's Day' in the year 2000, after witnessing the brutal killings of the 40 common people in her town by the Armed forces, a 28 year old young woman Ms. Irom Chanu Sharmila, could not remain silent to the brutality of violence and began a political fast unto justice against the Indian State, demanding to repeal the Armed Forces Special Power's Act (AFSPA), an act which allows the security forces to shoot on and at sight, arresting anyone without a warrant.

3826 days from then, that courageous iron woman, whom she calls herself as 'simple woman vis-à-vis social activist', did not give up her fast till today, fighting a lonely battle against the state hoping that human rights shall be affirmed in her land and the dignity of life to all people will be respected.

As Ms. Irom Sharmila enters silently (for the media is absolutely silent, the civil society is silent for they have other fastings to cheer up, and the government is silent for they have a deaf ear to her pleas) into her 12th year of fasting today on the 2nd November 2011, it is high time that we as student communities and responsible citizens of our country to rededicate to express our solidarity with Ms. Sharmila and join her in demanding to repeal this inhuman AFPSA. This draconian law has taken the lives of several common and innocent people over the years, and has become a threat to the very fabric of democracy in India and to the commitment for human rights has been at stake.

The Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) has been committed to be in solidarity with Ms. Irom Sharmila, for in the past we have organised several documentaries on the struggle of Sharmila, led a signature campaign in support of her collecting signatures from several students, joined in partnership with other community based organisations in support of Sharmila and have been partaking in bringing in awareness about the struggle of Sharmila to student friends.

On this 11th anniversary of Ms. Irom Sharmila's fast unto justice, we the SCMI call on all our friends to extend our whole hearted support to her and demand along with her to repeal the AFPSA immediately. We also are shocked at the 'no coverage' attitudes by the media to her struggle for justice, and call on the media to continuously bring into light the repercussions of this draconian AFPSA law to express their unstinted commitment to human rights.

We call on our student friends to write to the government in repealing this law. An SMS campaign has been on in this direction, and we seek your support and solidarity in this effort.

Coincidentally today happens to be the "All Soul's Day" and several friends remember the life of their dear ones at their tombs and graves, but the challenge for us is to remember and accompany the lonely soul Ms. Irom Sharmila, who is fighting on behalf of several innocent people who are sent to their graves unjustly, for her fight is a fight for the cause of life and justice, fighting against the forces of state and powers.

Ms. Irom sharmila we pledge to be with you till justice is achieved and dignity of life is affirmed.

When life comes to its end
You, please transport
My lifeless body
Place it on the soil of Father Koubru

To reduce my dead body
To cinders amidst the flames
Chopping it with axe and spade
Fills my mind with revulsion

The outer cover is sure to dry out
Let it rot under the ground
Let it be of some use to future generations
Let it transform into ore in the mine

I'll spread the fragrance of peace
From Kanglei, my birthplace
In the ages to come
It will spread all over the world.

Irom Sharmila