Month: March 2013

The whole world will hear the voice of the lone fighter from Manipur. Irom Chanu Sharmila is in Delhi as she is required to present before a court in Delhi. She has been fasting demanding lifting of armed forces special powers act from Manipur. The lone dissenter’s voice is becoming louder. She had been honoured with various international awards in recognition of her courage and will power. She is unrelenting. She has expressed the confidence that the Union Government will repeal the act. If the Union Government refuses to act as per her wishes a negative message will be sent. Moreover the question is being asked why Manipur in particular and NE at large should be reduced to receptacle of such deadly, diabolic and useless act when other states having similar insurgency or terrorist related problems do not see imposition of such act. Just recently two powerful bomb blasts rocked Hyderabad killing large number of people and injuring three figures. It could not be ascertained who were behind the bomb blast. But Andhra Pradesh was not brought under the AFSPA. A commission too had been formed in the past that recommended softening of the act. It is said Indian army is insisting that the act should remain where it is. But India is a democratic country if the Government cannot act as per the wishes and expectation of the masses where the sovereignty of the people lies. This question was asked by Sharmila. Manipur being a border state will require the service of the Indian army to check intrusion of unwanted elements from the other side of the boundary. Army can be scattered all along the border areas, where it is considered problematic. They can stay at the town area also but minus AFSPA. The state police is performing wonderful job in dealing with insurgency. They do not say they require an act to cover their operation against the elements detrimental to the well being of the society. AFSPA cannot provide security to the wrong doers. But the Indian army is insisting on imposition of this useless act. Show the generosity and decide to go together with the masses. AFSPA has acted as a thorn in the heart. It needs to be removed. Should the Government wait for the Indian army to dictate the time has come for removing the thorn. That will mean, biggest democracy in the world functioning under the army. India is different from Pakistan and Myanmar where military have their sway be it in laying down policies and functioning of the Government. Consider Sharmila’s demand seriously and attempt to fulfil her wishes. We want to see the return of the day when she sits together with her family members and relish the food with her own hand. When will that day arrive, this question is being asked. We are confident the Union Government will hear the feeble voice of the defiant lady, which has become louder and lift the act. Delay in lifting the act will be dangerous. Manipur people are closely monitoring Sharmila’s Delhi visit. Let she return home with beaming smile on lip.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sharmila-in-delhi/