Irom Sharmila Chanu has been on fast demanding the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1985 from Assam since 5 November, 2000 after 10 civilians were killed by Assam Rifles personnel at Malom on 2 November, 2000. The Government of India vide order dated 4 November, 2014 extended the AFSPA, declaring Assam as a ‘disturbed area’ for another year. It has been 15 years and her appeal still remains unheard. But she has remained firm. Her non-violent protest against the indifferences of the state and army towards the people is an example of stupendous valiancy.
The Government had slapped charges of attempt to suicide against her. She was being force-fed and put in a solitary confinement in an Imphal hospital. This charge was proven wrong by Manipur East Sessions Court on 19 August, 2014, stating that her hunger strike was a ‘political demand through lawful means’. Eventually she was released from the prison hospital. However, she has been regularly rearrested and released and fed forcefully twice a day.
Her protest has won her worldwide recognition with Amnesty International declaring that she was a ‘Prisoner of Conscience’ but she failed in eliciting a speedy response from the Government of India. The Centre does not bother to engage with her in any kind of dialogue. Though many human rights activists have expressed solidarity with her protest, it’s worth mention here that a majority of Indians do not know her and she hardly makes it to the headlines in the mainstream media. It shows that to get support or recognition in India, either it is not enough to be a mere Gandhian or it does not matter what the people of North East cry for as long as everything is well in the rest of India.
Her silent protest should not be ignored. She continues to remain obstinate and steadfast. But she needs open support in her struggle against the AFSPA. It’s time we joined her in the fight against this draconian legislation. Her protest should not fade. Having refused food and water for 15 years now, Irom Sharmila has been called ‘the world’s longest hunger striker’. Let us salute this determined fighter, Iron Lady of Manipur.
[The writer is pursuing M.A. in Human Rights from IIHR, New Delhi]