Sharmila’s fast enters 12th year, Solidarity meetings world-wide – TwoCircles.net

Sharmila's fast enters 12th year, Solidarity meetings world-wideTwoCircles.netIrom Sharmia, a human rights' activist and poet from Manipur is on fast since 4th November 2000 demanding repeal of AFSPA, a draconian act enforced in most of the par…

Sharmila's fast enters 12th year, Solidarity meetings world-wide
TwoCircles.net
Irom Sharmia, a human rights' activist and poet from Manipur is on fast since 4th November 2000 demanding repeal of AFSPA, a draconian act enforced in most of the parts of North-East and Kashmir. In Delhi, at Jantar Mantar hundreds of protestors
A Successful AFSPA Campaign – Report on fast observed by NAMA members on 5th E-Pao.net

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Landmarks Sharmila Set

Irom Sharmila Chanu has completed 11 years of an epic protest against the Armed Forces… more »

Irom Sharmila Chanu has completed 11 years of an epic protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA-1958. She has not managed to bend the will of the government yet, but definitely has had liberal India campaigning behind her in a big way. Fanatics of course are not impressed as was evidenced by the attack on her supporters in New Delhi recently during their campaign to drum up nationwide awareness of her uniquely democratic protest against an Act with is by contrast, equally unique by its lack of faith in democratic values. The campaign nevertheless was not deterred and November 5, the day Sharmila officially completed eleven years of her fast was observed as a day of the democracy’s resilience throughout India, human rights workers as much as anybody who swore faith in democracy.

The more important question is, what it the way forward. This, as everybody will understand is the most difficult question of all. To encourage Sharmila to fight on would almost be like asking her to die. On the other hand, to ask her to quit would also be another death. After 11 years of an epic struggle, how can she be asked to give up her high profile struggle just like that with any sense of justice? It is understandable that many think she has a right to not live through more of this self inflicted torment. However the paradox is, her fast has now become a compelling reality of its own. She understandably knows choosing between what so many think is the life she has given up and what could ultimately have become her true reality, is not going to be easy. The point is, there is no other answer now on what the next course of action for her should be other than what she decides what it should be. In this sense, those who egg her on to continue with the fast and those who think she should be persuaded to abandon her fast, belong to the same camp, though seemingly desiring different outcomes of Sharmila’s fast. This is also one way of saying the alternatives before any arbitration in the case, how much so ever difficult, does not have to be always between the black and the white. Between these to extreme poles, there are millions of shades, or colours, if you like. Right and wrong do not always have to be on extreme poles.

To believe that Sharmila is acting solely on the pressures or expectation of others, is to believe Sharmila is a puppet dancing to the tunes of her puppeteers. A woman who can endure 11 years of doing away with the sense of taste can be anything else other than this. No other insult heaped on her, and indeed womanhood as such, cannot be more patronising than this. Let it be acknowledged by one and all that she entered this battlefield of her own will – a will that is stronger than almost all, if not all, including her male counterparts who often tend to be paternalistic on the matter. If at all anybody thinks she should carry on as she has been, or else leave and get back to the so called “normal life”, they must first take the trouble of meeting and persuading her why she must take one course or the other. To do anything else is to undermine her strength of conviction in what she had set out to do eleven years ago. In other words, let anybody who is concerned enough be so bold as to advise her to take one or the other course not be so arrogant as to think in terms of pronouncing a verdict on where she has gone wrong or right. Even if this judgment is justified from the objective approach this cannot be so from the spiritual vantage. Certain senses of defeat or success are merely administrative in nature and in this sense never has managed to present the complete and thereby the correct picture. Irom Sharmila presents this paradox more than most other examples history has thrown up. She is a woman who has virtually given up life, or its finer flavours that give it meaning, in the pursuit of a cause she is convinced is public justice. Who then is any of us to merely pronounce what is good or bad on the matter? Give Sharmila the latitude to decide on matters which she has demonstrated she can give her life. Those eager to advice Sharmila should be humble enough to acknowledge Sharmila is an individual with a fierce sense of independence and not anybody any “thought tyrant” can bully or be simply pushed to do their biddings.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/landmarks-sharmila-set/

Landmarks Sharmila Set

Irom Sharmila Chanu has completed 11 years of an epic protest against the Armed Forces… more »

Irom Sharmila Chanu has completed 11 years of an epic protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA-1958. She has not managed to bend the will of the government yet, but definitely has had liberal India campaigning behind her in a big way. Fanatics of course are not impressed as was evidenced by the attack on her supporters in New Delhi recently during their campaign to drum up nationwide awareness of her uniquely democratic protest against an Act with is by contrast, equally unique by its lack of faith in democratic values. The campaign nevertheless was not deterred and November 5, the day Sharmila officially completed eleven years of her fast was observed as a day of the democracy’s resilience throughout India, human rights workers as much as anybody who swore faith in democracy.

The more important question is, what it the way forward. This, as everybody will understand is the most difficult question of all. To encourage Sharmila to fight on would almost be like asking her to die. On the other hand, to ask her to quit would also be another death. After 11 years of an epic struggle, how can she be asked to give up her high profile struggle just like that with any sense of justice? It is understandable that many think she has a right to not live through more of this self inflicted torment. However the paradox is, her fast has now become a compelling reality of its own. She understandably knows choosing between what so many think is the life she has given up and what could ultimately have become her true reality, is not going to be easy. The point is, there is no other answer now on what the next course of action for her should be other than what she decides what it should be. In this sense, those who egg her on to continue with the fast and those who think she should be persuaded to abandon her fast, belong to the same camp, though seemingly desiring different outcomes of Sharmila’s fast. This is also one way of saying the alternatives before any arbitration in the case, how much so ever difficult, does not have to be always between the black and the white. Between these to extreme poles, there are millions of shades, or colours, if you like. Right and wrong do not always have to be on extreme poles.

To believe that Sharmila is acting solely on the pressures or expectation of others, is to believe Sharmila is a puppet dancing to the tunes of her puppeteers. A woman who can endure 11 years of doing away with the sense of taste can be anything else other than this. No other insult heaped on her, and indeed womanhood as such, cannot be more patronising than this. Let it be acknowledged by one and all that she entered this battlefield of her own will – a will that is stronger than almost all, if not all, including her male counterparts who often tend to be paternalistic on the matter. If at all anybody thinks she should carry on as she has been, or else leave and get back to the so called “normal life”, they must first take the trouble of meeting and persuading her why she must take one course or the other. To do anything else is to undermine her strength of conviction in what she had set out to do eleven years ago. In other words, let anybody who is concerned enough be so bold as to advise her to take one or the other course not be so arrogant as to think in terms of pronouncing a verdict on where she has gone wrong or right. Even if this judgment is justified from the objective approach this cannot be so from the spiritual vantage. Certain senses of defeat or success are merely administrative in nature and in this sense never has managed to present the complete and thereby the correct picture. Irom Sharmila presents this paradox more than most other examples history has thrown up. She is a woman who has virtually given up life, or its finer flavours that give it meaning, in the pursuit of a cause she is convinced is public justice. Who then is any of us to merely pronounce what is good or bad on the matter? Give Sharmila the latitude to decide on matters which she has demonstrated she can give her life. Those eager to advice Sharmila should be humble enough to acknowledge Sharmila is an individual with a fierce sense of independence and not anybody any “thought tyrant” can bully or be simply pushed to do their biddings.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/landmarks-sharmila-set/

A Successful AFSPA Campaign – Report on fast observed by NAMA members on 5th November 2011

The North American Manipur Association (NAMA) hosted a one day fast on 5th November 2011… more »

Irom Sharmila

The North American Manipur Association (NAMA) hosted a one day fast on 5th November 2011 in conjunction with the All India Worldwide fast organised by Save Democracy, Repeal AFSPA group. NAMA orgranised this event so that members can express solidarity to Irom Sharmila Chanu’s fight against Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which completed 11 years on the same day. The time of the fast was set from 8 AM to 5 PM in the time zone where the NAMA member resides. Since NAMA members are spread across various states, it was not possible to gather at one location. A conference bridge was opened to create a forum during the fast.

Several NAMA members and families across North America joined the fast event. The fast kicked off with NAMA members joining the conference bridge opened at 8:30 AM EST hosted by the NAMA Executive team. Towards the end of the fast, the conference bridge was reopened and the participants shared their thoughts. NAMA President Rajeshwar Laishram gave a speech regarding the background of the campaign and thanked the participants for their support. He highlighted that NAMA will organize various AFSPA campaigns in North America in the next few months. This he believes will create additional awareness to the international community. Another Executive Member spoke about the history of AFSPA, Sharmila’s struggle and a reminder of this draconian Act in which the Army has the powers to arrest, shoot and kill at mere suspicion. NAMA members on the call pointed out several instances of gross human rights violation that has occurred in Manipur due to this Act.

Irom Sharmila Chanu also known as the ‘Iron Lady of Manipur’ continues to fast demanding the Repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958. She took the stand to go on fast unto death after the Malom (Imphal West) incident on 2nd November 2000 where 10 villagers were killed by the Assam Rifles. However, the Manipur State government has arrested her in charges of attempted suicide and has kept her confined inside a small room in a government hospital. She was awarded the 2007 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. She was also conferred Rabindranath Tagore Peace Prize in 2010 by Indian Institute of Planning & Management (IIPM), New Delhi. NAMA salutes the undaunting spirit of Sharmila and her dedication for the people for Manipur.

A compilation of messages received from NAMA members supporting the campaign before and after the fast:

“My family will participate in the fasting campaign against the Indian AFSPA in solidarity with the 11 years hunger strike by Irom Sharmila Chanu. May God bless her and bring an end to AFSPA. Too much killing and too much human tragedy and suffering. Enough is enough!!”

“Pleasure to see the unity among NAMA members through this valuable cause. A few hours to go to complete our support & solidarity through this event. Let us keep up the momentum and rekindle our spirits of love and unity. Let us join hands to abolish injustice and inhumanity from the surface of Manipur and the world. God bless Irom Sharmila Chanu. God bless Manipur. God bless NAMA.”

“The fast made me connected with Eche Sharmila and her struggle. I feel proud to attend the fast.”

“Highly appreciate NAMA’s efforts in organising this campaign and I will be fasting.”

“Truly support the campaign and will be joining the fast.”

“I will join the fast. I am thrilled to do something to support this cause. Thank you for making us all aware of this opportunity.”

NAMA Executive team would like to thank all the members who attended the event and the leaders of Save Democracy, Repeal AFSPA group for this thoughtful initiative.

The Executive Team
North American Manipur Association (NAMA)
PO Box 5932
Bethesda Maryland 20814
USA
e-mail: namagroups AT gmail.com
www.namaonline.org

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/a-successful-afspa-campaign-report-on-fast-observed-by-nama-members-on-5th-november-2011/

BJP demands airlifting of essential supplies to Manipur – The Hindu

Hindustan TimesBJP demands airlifting of essential supplies to ManipurThe HinduThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said despite the lifting of the economic blockade in Manipur the situation there was grim and demanded that the Centre make arrang…


Hindustan Times

BJP demands airlifting of essential supplies to Manipur
The Hindu
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said despite the lifting of the economic blockade in Manipur the situation there was grim and demanded that the Centre make arrangements to airlift essential commodities and medicines to the State as these
BJP terms fuel price hike to be unjustifiedTruthDive

all 48 news articles »

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Announcement MSAD Election 2011

Office of The Election Committee Manipur Students’ Association Delhi New Delhi Ref: 20111106 Election/PR Election… more »

Office of
The Election Committee
Manipur Students’ Association Delhi
New Delhi

Ref: 20111106 Election/PR

Election Notification

Press Release

It is hereby notified to all the students from Manipur pursuing education in Delhi that, the MSAD Annual General Election for the Executive Term 2011-2012 will be held on Sunday, 13 November 2011 for the following executive posts:

1. President,
2. Vice-President,
3. General Secretary,
4. Organisation Secretary,
5. Finance Secretary,
6. Public Relations Secretary,
7. Academic & Magazine Secretary,
8. Games & Sports Secretary and
9. Cultural Secretary.

Student(s) willing to contest election must obtain a complete set of nomination form from the Election Committee. The last date for filing of nomination form and withdrawal of candidature is 10 November 2011. Nomination form will not be accepted after 8 p.m. The Election Committee will conduct scrutiny of candidature on 11 November, 2011 at the Open Air Theatre, Arts Faculty, University of Delhi (North Campus) at 4 p.m. A candidate must report for scrutiny along with his/ her proposer and seconder to the Election Committee by 4 p.m. Oath taking ceremony of the MSAD Executives for the 2011-2012 term will be held on Monday, 14 November 2011 at the Open Air Theatre, Arts Faculty, University of Delhi (North Campus) at 4 p.m. For election details, voting rights and voters’ list please refer to the MSAD Election Rules and Regulations (2011).

Sd/
Chairperson, Election Committee,
Manipur Students’ Association Delhi
06 November 2011

For information related to election please contact the Election Committee:

  • Malem Ningthouja:                  Chairperson                 9899925345
  • Rojesh Seram                           Returning Officer        9718669413
  • Luwang Shinyen Arambam     Returning Officer        9718372897
  • Boyamayum Altaf                   Member                       8802180673
  • Ashok Laishram                      Member                       9716699755
  • Amit Elangbam                                    Member                       9582553774

Email: msadelectioncommittee@gmail.com

Attachments:
1. MSAD Constitution (PDF)
2. MSAD Election Rules and Regulations (PDF)
3. MSAD Election Nomination Form (PDF)

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/announcement-msad-election-2011/

Manipur on brink of a breakdown – Hindustan Times

FirstpostManipur on brink of a breakdownHindustan TimesOn day 99 of the economic blockade in Manipur, residents of the north eastern state say the state has turned into a 'lawless region, literally on the brink of a complete breakdown'. and the…


Firstpost

Manipur on brink of a breakdown
Hindustan Times
On day 99 of the economic blockade in Manipur, residents of the north eastern state say the state has turned into a 'lawless region, literally on the brink of a complete breakdown'. and the Nagas, one can see the chassis of burnt trucks on the roadside
Manipur blockade must endThe Hindu
Manipur blockade enters 100th dayTimes of India
Manipur shutdown: Whose responsibility is the North-East?Firstpost
Economic Times –Wall Street Journal (blog)
all 140 news articles »

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Manipur on brink of breakdown with 99 days of blockade – Economic Times

IBNLive.comManipur on brink of breakdown with 99 days of blockadeEconomic TimesIMPHAL: As one travels along the national highway in Manipur inhabited by two rival tribal groups – the Kukis and the Nagas, one can see the chassis of burnt trucks on the r…


IBNLive.com

Manipur on brink of breakdown with 99 days of blockade
Economic Times
IMPHAL: As one travels along the national highway in Manipur inhabited by two rival tribal groups – the Kukis and the Nagas, one can see the chassis of burnt trucks on the roadside with protestors enforcing an economic blockade that entered its 99th
Manipur blockade: Fuel crisis worsens, prices soar sky-highNDTV.com
In Manipur, not easy to get petrol even for Rs240/LDaily News & Analysis
Manipur fuel outlets run dryHindustan Times
Daily Pioneer –Washington Bangla Radio
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Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNF0TJm05orByJX0DOhj0xs53xNJAA&url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/manipur-on-brink-of-breakdown-with-99-days-of-blockade/articleshow/10639605.cms

In India, love tests world’s longest hunger strike – The Seattle Times

India TodayIn India, love tests world's longest hunger strikeThe Seattle TimesForce-fed by the government through a nose tube, she languishes in a guarded hospital ward here in Manipur state, charged with attempted suicide. This carries a maximum o…


India Today

In India, love tests world's longest hunger strike
The Seattle Times
Force-fed by the government through a nose tube, she languishes in a guarded hospital ward here in Manipur state, charged with attempted suicide. This carries a maximum one-year sentence, so every year she's released and rearrested.
Nation joins Irom in her fight as it enters its 12th yearTehelka
Reportaaz presents "The Iron Lady of Manipur", Irom Sharmila only on IBN-LokmatIndia PRwire (press release)
Manipuri students demonstrate for removal of AFSPAIBNLive.com
E-Pao.net –The Hindu
all 69 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHtmuK_BddyyDGAGotxI7WMxYtwAg&url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2016707353_webindia07.html