Showing posts with label CIVIL SOCIETY ON IROM SHARMILA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CIVIL SOCIETY ON IROM SHARMILA. Show all posts

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

SOLIDARITY GATHERING AND MEMORANDUM HANDOVER IN HARYANA, J&K, M.P., U.P. AND NEW DELHI

SOLIDARITY GATHERING AND MEMORANDUM HANDOVER IN HARYANA, J&K, M.P., U.P. AND NEW DELHI 


On the third day of Nationwide event series of protest by Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, today protest and solidarity gathering were organized at many places.

Till the time of report, 


In New Delhi, many students and teachers turned up for one day fast at Arts faculty of Delhi University. This one day fast was coordinated by Prof V. P. Srivastava and youth activist Himad Peter. Administrations did not permit them to observe fast at Arts faculty and pushed them outside, however on outside, many more joined it and observed one day protest there. Core member Devika Mittal participated along with other volunteers. This gathering was addressed by many intellectuals and senior activists. Senior advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan also participated and addressed the gathering.     









In Panipat - Haryana, Deepak Kathuria , social activist, coordinated the solidarity gathering. Students came with posters of global peace activists and revolutionaries such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh and Dalai Lama. Some senior activists addressed the gathering and told about Irom Sharmila and the importance of non violence. 


In Srinagar-J&K, Wahid Dar, a youth activist and State Coordinator of J&K Democratic Youth Federation, handed over memorandum to DC, Srinagar. Though the DC office was not ready to accept the memorandum in starting, but later after expressing the concern and its importance they received the memorandum. 

In Vidisha-Madhya Pradesh, Arvind Lodhi, a core member of Mission Bhartiyam along with members Ashok Lodhi, Dr Hemant Srivastava and others, submitted a memorandum to District Magistrate. 

In Betul-Madhya Pradesh, Mithilesh Pande, a core member of Mission Bhartiyam, tried to submit the memorandum at DM office, but they were not received. In spite of lot of argument and discussions, DM office did not become ready to accept the memorandum. It will be sent through email and speed post now with a complaint copy to District Magistrate as well as Prime Minister of India office directly. 

In Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Saeed Khan Falahi, a peace and human rights activist, handedover memorandum to district magistrate. He submitted it with many signatures from supporters. He also narrated the district magistrate that how even the efforts taken in Shahjahanpur will contribute in the struggle to repeal AFSPA and how it is our duty to come forward to save our democratic values. 


BY

Monday, 5 November 2012

Article-series on Irom: यह चुप्पी इरोम की नहीं, लोकतंत्र की हार है!


As a recent move of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nationwide protest against the neglect and suppression of Irom Sharmila, is observing 12 Article series to reflect 12 years of suppression of Irom Sharmila's fast.

In this series one article per day will be published on its website and will be dedicated to one year fast of Irom.

This will conclude on 5th November, the day when Irom Sharmila will be unfortunately completing her 12 years of stuggle. 

Here's an article in Hindi: 



यह चुप्पी इरोम की नहीं, लोकतंत्र की हार है!


- अशोक कुमार पाण्डेय



मणिपुर में सरकारी अस्पताल में जबरन नलियों के सहारे दिए जा रहे भोजन के भरोसे चलती साँसों, क्षीण काया और अपनी अदम्य जीजिविषा की प्रतीक मुस्कराहट ओढ़े इरोम शर्मिला की तस्वीर भारत के महान लोकतंत्र और जगमगाती अर्थव्यवस्था के चहरे पर एक गहरे प्रश्नवाचक चिन्ह की तरह दिखाई देती है| बारह वर्षों से अपनी ज़िद और सिक्किम की जनता के प्रति अपने अगाध स्नेह तथा भारतीय सेना के सशस्त्र सैन्य विशेषाधिकार कानून (AFSPA)  के तहत ज़ारी अमानवीय दमन के खिलाफ़ वह अनशन पर हैं| लेकिन दिल्ली के रामलीला मैदानों पर ज़ारी अनशनों से पिघल जाने वाली सरकारें हों या उबल जाने वाली मीडिया या फिर मचल जाने वाला हमारा ‘ग्रेट इन्डियन मिडल क्लास’, इस एक दशक के व्रत के दौरान उसने अक्सर चुप रहकर नज़रअंदाज करने का विकल्प ही चुना है| उत्तरपूर्व हो की कश्मीर या अन्य उत्पीड़ित राष्ट्रीयताएँ, भारतीय मुख्यधारा की रूचि बस ‘अविभाज्य अंग’ होने तक ही सीमित है और सारी सक्रियता इस अविभाज्यता को एन-केन प्रकारेण बचाए रखने तक| उन अभिशप्त हिस्सों के नागरिकों के दुःख-दर्द, उनकी मानवीय इच्छायें तथा लोकतांत्रिक आकांक्षायें और उनकी आवाज़ भारतीय शासक वर्ग की चिंताओं का हिस्सा कभी नहीं बन पाते|

डेढ़ सौ सालों के लम्बे औपनिवेशिक शासन में अंग्रेजी हुकूमत से इस महाद्वीप की उत्पीड़ित जनता के हर हिस्से ने तीखी लड़ाई लड़ी थी| सूदूर उत्तर-पूर्व में भी अंग्रेजी शासन के खिलाफ़ लंबा और फैसलाकुन संघर्ष चला था| अंग्रेजी शासन के पहले स्वतंत्र रहे इन राज्यों ने आज़ादी के बाद एक लोकतांत्रिक, शांतिपूर्ण, सेकुलर और समतामूलक समाज के निर्माण के स्वप्न के साथ भारतीय लोकतंत्र का हिस्सा बनना स्वीकार किया था| आज़ादी उनके लिए उन स्वप्नों को साकार होता देख पाने के अवसर के रूप में आई थी| कश्मीर में शेख अब्दुल्ला के नेतृत्व वाले नेशनल कांफ्रेंस ने कश्मीर के तात्कालिक डोगरा शासक हरि सिंह के स्वतंत्र राज्य बनाये रखने के और मीर वायज के बरक्स एक लोकतांत्रिक और सेकुलर स्टेट बनाने के पक्ष में आन्दोलन चलाया और इसी आकांक्षा के साथ भारतीय राज्य को पाकिस्तान के सामंती राज्य की जगह चुना| यहाँ यह बता देना उचित ही होगा की ठीक इसी समय मुस्लिम और हिन्दू कट्टरपंथी राजा के साथ सहयोग कर रहे थे| यह किस्सा कई अलग-अलग पूर्व रियासतों में दुहराया गया, लेकिन जनता की ताकतों ने अपना पक्ष बेहतरी के लिए चुना और उसके लिए बलिदान भी दिए|

खैर, बात मणिपुर की हो रही थी और मणिपुर का कई दूसरे उत्तर-पूर्वी राज्यों की ही तरह थोड़ा अलग किस्सा है| मणिपुर अपने इतिहास में कभी भी भारतीय केन्द्रीय शासन व्यवस्था का हिस्सा नहीं रहा| चाहे वह मुगलों का राज्य हो, या उसके पहले सम्राट अशोक या चन्द्रगुप्त का समय, यह क्षेत्र हमेशा एक स्वतन्त्र राज्य रहा| 1891 में अंग्रजी प्रभुत्व में आने के बाद यह औपनिवेशिक भारत का हिस्सा बना| १९४२ में द्वितीय विश्वयुद्ध में यहाँ के तत्कालीन राजा बोधचंद्र ने युद्ध में अंग्रेजों का साथ देने का आह्वान किया और फरवरी १९४२ में नेताजी सुभास चन्द्र बोस की आजाद हिंद फ़ौज ने इम्फाल पर भयावह बमबारी के बाद कब्जा कर लिया| इस बमबारी में राज्य के लगभग सभी प्रमुख प्रशासक तथा व्यापारी मारे गए और पूरा इम्फाल वीरान हो गया| भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप के इतिहास में पहली बार जनरल मलिक ने यहाँ आज़ाद हिंद फ़ौज का झंडा फहराया| युद्ध के बाद राजा और दूसरे लोग लौटे तो लेकिन यहाँ लोकतंत्र की मांग शुरू हो चुकी थी| राजा ने नया संविधान बनवाया और अपने एक भाई को प्रधानमन्त्री नियुक्त किया| भारत की आजादी के बाद उन्होंने यहाँ चुनाव की घोषणा की और उस चुनाव में अन्य पार्टियों के अलावा कांग्रेस पार्टी ने भी हिस्सा लिया| प्रजा शान्ति और कृषक सभा की सरकार चुनी गयी तथा राजा के भाई का मुख्यमंत्री बनना तय हुआ| लेकिन इसी बीच राजा को शिलांग बुलाया गया और अगर उनकी माने तो बन्दूक की नोंक पर उनसे भारतीय राज्य में विलय के दस्तावेज़ पर हस्ताक्षर करा लिए गए| एक साल के भीतर ही जब इस नयी सरकार को सत्ता सौंपने की तैयारी चल रही थी तो इसे भंग कर दिया गया और रावल अमर सिंह मणिपुर के पहले भारतीय चीफ कमिश्नर बनाए गए| १९५६ में इसे एक केंद्र शासित प्रदेश का दर्ज़ा दिया गया और बाद में १९७२ में पूर्ण राज्य का| मणिपुर में अलगाववादी आन्दोलनों का इतिहास भारतीय राज्य में उसके विलय जितना ही पुराना है|

इस अलगाववादी आन्दोलन के बावजूद १९७८ तक इसका राज्य में कोई बड़ा आधार नहीं था| लेकिन भारतीय राज्य में विलय के साथ ही १९५८ में बने ‘सशस्त्र सेना विशेषाधिकार नियम’ के तहत मणिपुर में सेना की तैनाती और राज्य की आकांक्षाओं के अनुरूप विकास कार्यों को संपन्न करा सकने की अक्षमता ने इस राज्य में अलगाववादी आन्दोलन के लिए खाद-पानी का काम किया| भारतीय राज्य में जबरन विलय को लेकर जो असंतोष था वह अकूत अधिकार प्राप्त सेना के दमन के चलते और तेज़ी से फैला तथा स्वतन्त्र मणिपुर राज्य की मांग को लेकर अलग-अलग तरह के तमाम आन्दोलन मणिपुर में फ़ैल गए| चार मार्च, २०१२ में ज़ारी अपनी एक रिपोर्ट में ह्यूमन राईट वाच संस्था का स्पष्ट मानना है की मणिपुर में फैले आतंकवाद के पीछे सेना का दमन है| जैसे-जैसे अलगाववादी आन्दोलन जड़ पकड़ते गए यह दमन बढ़ता ही गया और बच्चे, बूढ़े, औरतें सब इसकी जद में आते चले गए|

ऐसी ही एक घटना में बस स्टाप पर प्रतीक्षा कर रहे दस लोगों की ह्त्या के विरोध में उस वक़्त एक मानवाधिकार समूह ‘ह्यूमन राइट्स एलर्ट’ में काम कर रही तथा कवियत्री इरोम ने अपना अनशन शुरू किया था| उस घटना के बाद एक कागज़ पर उन्होंने लिखा – शांति का स्रोत क्या है और इसका अंत क्या है? अगले दिन अपनी माँ के हाथों पकाया भोजन खाने के बाद वह अनशन पर बैठ गयीं| यह इस दमन के प्रतिरोध का गांधीवादी तरीका था| उनकी मांग स्पष्ट थी – सशस्त्र सैन्य विशेषाधिकार कानून को वापस लिया जाय| ज़िद ऐसी की उन्होंने दांत साफ़ करने के लिए भी रूई का सहारा लिया ताकि पानी की एक बूँद भी शरीर में न जाए| लेकिन उसकी इस ज़िद का सम्मान करने तथा उनसे बात करने की जगह  अनशन शुरू करने के अगले ही दिन, तीन नवम्बर २००० को मणिपुर पुलिस ने उन्हें आत्महत्या के प्रयास के आरोप में गिरफ्तार कर लिया और तब से अब तक इसी क़ानून के तहत बिना किसी पेशी या मुक़दमे के उन्हें गिरफ्तारी में रखा गया है| ज्ञातव्य है की इस आरोप में किसी को भी एक साल से अधिक गिरफ्तार नहीं रखा जा सकता|

आज उनके अनशन के बारह साल पूरा हो जाने पर भी कहीं कोई हलचल दिखाई नहीं देती| इसे क्या कहा जाय? सरकार की बेरुखी या गांधीवादी तरीके की असफलता? सबसे ज़्यादा खलने वाली बात है मीडिया और बौद्धिक वर्ग की चुप्पी| यह चुप्पी इरोम की नहीं, दरअसल हमारे लोकतंत्र की हार है|    

This is an article written by Ashok Kumar Pandey, a social activist and poet from Gwalior. He is also a part of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign.  


Sunday, 4 November 2012

Eleventh Article in the article series - The Iron Lady



As a recent move of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nationwide protest against the neglect and suppression of Irom Sharmila, is observing 12 Article series to reflect 12 years of suppression of Irom Sharmila's fast.

In this series one article per day will be published on its website and will be dedicated to one year fast of Irom.

This will conclude on 5th November, the day when Irom Sharmila will be unfortunately completing her 12 years of stuggle. 

Here's the eleventh article:


The Iron Lady

By Julius Tongbram



Truth is the first casualty of war. No exception. What happens out in the land of the Kangleicha’s now is a shameful history of anger, lies and empty promises.

Who is to be blamed? That is the question everyone ponders upon. Only a handful seems to be bothered to ask what lies ahead. Only a handful seems to care enough to look around for a solution. There are many to be blamed. It ranges from each one of us all the way to the so-called elected bodies who are supposed to represent “The People”.

This time every year, we vent our anger and disappointment in manners that is of no help to the cause. Those few who try and put it into action are hopelessly helpless and out of options. In the land of Kangleicha’s, home to warriors who fought for their land countless times against foreign hands, lingers a woman fighting relentlessly for twelve years. Here we are, talking and writing about her. Here we are, sitting cosily in our homes and writing a few lines to sing praises of her.

Sadly, that is all that we can do. Why? Because we aren’t made of what she is made of. There she lies on a hospital bed fighting for us. Silent. Resolved. Patient. Faithful. If she falls, blames fall in our hands. There will probably be a pandemonium for the next few days. Things could change with that surge of anger and force.

There would be one question that would come to my mind then. Why have we been silent for so long while she fights a long and lonely battle for all of us?

There are many ifs and buts that will come into place to discuss the situation in hand. However, few seem to consider humanity and compassion as a matter of concern. One cannot describe the magnitude of the indifference and disregard that has been meted out by each one of us towards her plight. It is only left to time now.

I can’t say or do anything differently to put this dilemma to an end. Unfortunately, the fate of Kangleicha’s future is tied to her now whether one wants to accept it or not. What saddens me the most is that there is very little hope to end this anytime soon and work towards a brighter future for those who are affected by this plague of fear, uncertainty and indecision.

They say, miracles do happen at the most unexpected of times. We, Kangleicha’s could use one now.

Julius Tongbram is a MBA student from Bangalore. He is the Guwahati co-ordinator for Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign. He can be mailed at j.tongbram@yahoo.com

Also published at http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=features.Profile_of_Manipuri_Personalities.Irom_Sharmila.The_Irom_Lady

http://www.countercurrents.org/tongbram041112.htm



Thursday, 1 November 2012

Eigth Article in the Article series: Irom - An inspiration for students

As a recent move of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nationwide protest against the neglect and suppression of Irom Sharmila, is observing 12 Article series to reflect 12 years of suppression of Irom Sharmila's fast.

In this series one article per day will be published on its website and will be dedicated to one year fast of Irom.

This will conclude on 5th November, the day when Irom Sharmila will be unfortunately completing her 12 years of stuggle. 

Here's the eigth article:

Irom: An inspiration for students

By Zaheeb Ajmal

This article is dedicated to Irom by a group of students from Patna.


Irom Chanu Sharmila, the crusader against AFSPA, who has been on hunger strike since 4th November 2000, is still unknown to the major part of India. On 5th May 2011, the day when we got to know about the Iron Lady of Manipur through a play, “Le Mashale”, performed by Ojas SV, we were in deep shock. It was an eye opener of the unexplored land of India. We have never been told about the problems and the torture the people of Manipur face each and every day. The play was heart touching and moved us so much that it instigated us to gather more knowledge about it and this consequently resulted in us joining the fight of the Iron Lady.

We decided to campaign in and around Patna and let people know about the North east and its problems. We slowly and steadily came to know about the hardcore realities. The draconian law has been imposed in the northeast since 1958, but it is shameful that very few among us knew about her. The media which is termed as the “fourth pillar of the democracy” has been partial in the case of Manipur. We had rarely seen any news channel reporting or any print media reporting about the protest going on in Manipur every day. We were stopped and questioned by senior countrymen, why are we bothering about Manipur? Are we from Manipur?  We were advised to worry about our city and state problems. Some were worried and lost their enthusiasm but it was Irom’s struggle that refilled the enthusiasm. They came back with more passion and dedication. These kids are from those groups who generally “don’t care” about the society and its worries. They proved us wrong and work day and night for the campaign because they think that the fight we have joined has to be fought till end and they think that AFSPA should be diluted.

After watching the play, Le Mashale, these students formed a group, named “Le Mashale” and organized an event on 1st July 2011 to aware the people of their city about the atrocities faced by people of Manipur. The number of people who attended it was unbelievable. It drew attention of media, activists of Patna. When asked about how they managed it, they said it is Irom struggle which gave us inspiration. They added, Why has society became so insensitive, where you care about a person who in 12 day fast but not even pay any heed to a person who is on 12 year hunger strike. Why we discriminate our brothers and sister from Northeast .They also said that everyone should about her struggle and the government should listen to her. These students also joined the “SAVE SHARMILA SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN”, which they coordinated in Bihar. At the last, Irom’s struggle has ignited a passion in our soul, we salute the lady and we are in support for her till the battle against AFSPA is won.

This article has been written by Zaheeb Ajmal on behalf of the students. He is the patna co-ordinator of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign. He is also a member of Samar and of the students’ group for Irom, Le Mashale. He can be mailed at zaheebajmal@gmail.com

Also published at http://www.countercurrents.org/ajmal011112.htm

http://e-pao.net/epSearchResults.asp?cx=partner-pub-3342616103029311%3A3788634109&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=zaheeb

Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Seventh Article in Article Series: Unmatched Saga of Relentless Struggle - Irom Sharmila Chanu


As a recent move of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nationwide protest against the neglect and suppression of Irom Sharmila, is observing 12 Article series to reflect 12 years of suppression of Irom Sharmila's fast.

In this series one article per day will be published on its website and will be dedicated to one year fast of Irom.

This will conclude on 5th November, the day when Irom Sharmila will be unfortunately completing her 12 years of stuggle. 

Here's the seventh article:

Unmatched Saga of Relentless Struggle - Irom Sharmila Chanu


By Mandavi Yadav



She is called the “Iron Lady of Manipur”. A civil rights activist and a poet from Manipur, India, she's the one and only Irom Sharmila Chanu, who have been on a fast for over twelve years now. Her only plea to the Indian government is to take away the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 which empowers the military to shoot down just anyone on mere suspicion.

She has been consistently and incessantly continuing the fast but in vein. But, what has motivated and continues to motivate her to consider this harsh tone? A thought of the Malom Massacre...

On that fatal Thursday, November 2, 2000, ten ordinary people were  shot and wiped out through the eighth Assam Rifles while they were waiting for the bus at a bus-stand in Malom, an urban area within the Imphal town of Manipur. The following day, the local dailies carried the atrocious and cruel pictures from their dead physiques, together with a 62-years old lady, Leisangbam Ibetombi, and 18-years old Sinam Chandramani, a 1988 National Child Bravery Award champion. In the news, all of them including the 62 year old lady and the Bravery Award winner were declared to be “militants”. This incident is referred to as the “Malom Massacre”.

Enraged by these increased atrocities from the military, 28-years-old Sharmila, who would observe fast every Thursday since childhood, decided to dedicate the fast to draw attention of the Government towards these atrocities. But little did she know that, her fast would continue for 12 years. She is neither taking water nor food. On November 4, 2000 she visited the spot where the incident had occured and stated her utmost step - to fast-unto-dying till AFSPA is taken away.

Sharmila stated, "I had been traumatised by the sight. There is no way to stop the further intrusion by the military... It (fast) is the best way, it is a spiritual fight... My fast is with respect to the folks of Manipur. This isn't an individual fight, it's symbolic. It's an indication of truth, peace and love."

Around the third day of her fast, she was arrested and charged with 'attempt to commit suicide', under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code. The Government decided to keep her on a nasal feeding of a semi liquid substance, just to keep her alive while keeping her under house-arrest. Every year, she is re-arrested.

Born on March 14, 1972, since childhood Sharmila was quite incomparable from other women in her own locality. She was modest, a basic girl having a couple of selected buddies. She didn't like dressing,  she neither used any cosmetics nor any jewellery. She was habitual of reading Bhagwad Gita and practised yoga and began learning naturopathy and stenography.

A lady like Sharmila is unequalled; she's actively fighting for her region, for her people without getting her very own individual interests. Her fast is possibly, the longest hunger-strike ever. She’s not been eating or drinking, even a droplet of water since November, 2000. She's been kept alive through the painful procedure of nasal feeding. She's now living in an exceedingly pitiable condition. She doesn’t comb her hair, does not check herself in the mirror and cleans her teeth with a dry cotton. She is internally week, her menstrual cycles have stopped. Whenever she will get a chance, she tries to do away with the nasal tube.

According to a report of BBC on her health stated, "Doctors  are saying that her fasting has got an immediate effect on normal functions of her body - her bones have grown to be brittle and some medical disorder are worsening her body too."

She's a lady, a beacon of hope and peace, a genuine fighter who has fought against this fight, for so long and all alone, with no media hype. While Baba Ramdev and Anna Hazare fasted for any couple of days and the whole nation was with them(a huge credit goes to the media), Sharmila's fight is a lonely one. Here it is! Sharmila, you undoubtedly are a legend and has proven the fighting spirit of humankind.

Mandavi Yadav is from Chandigarh. She is an entreprenuer and currently running an event company. She is passionate about working for a change and writes articles as a tool for activism. She can be reached at mandavi.707@gmail.com

Tuesday, 30 October 2012

Article series on Irom: इरोम शर्मि‍ला : सेना नहीं जनतंत्र चाहि‍ए


As a recent move of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nationwide protest against the neglect and suppression of Irom Sharmila, is observing 12 Article series to reflect 12 years of suppression of Irom Sharmila's fast.

In this series one article per day will be published on its website and will be dedicated to one year fast of Irom.

This will conclude on 5th November, the day when Irom Sharmila will be unfortunately completing her 12 years of stuggle. 

Here's an article in Hindi: 

इरोम शर्मि‍ला : सेना नहीं जनतंत्र चाहि‍ए



वह लोकतंत्र की तलाश में बारह सालों से भूखी प्‍यासी कैद में है। उसेसेना नहीं लोकतंत्र चाहि‍ए। दमन नहीं सम्‍मान चाहि‍ए। हमने लोकतंत्र कीतलाश में जान कुर्बान करने वाले नहीं देखे । लोकतंत्र के जुनूनी नहीं देखे।क्रांति‍ ,राष्‍ट्रवाद और राष्‍ट्र से अलग स्‍वतंत्र देश की मांग के लि‍एजोखि‍म उठाने वाले सुने हैं।लेकि‍न लोकतंत्र और मनुष्‍यों के अधि‍कारों केलि‍ए जान की कुर्बानी देने वाले नहीं सुने।

हमने ऐसी औरतें देखीहैं जो सुखी संसार खोजती हैं।गहने खोजती हैं। मकान खोजती हैं। अच्‍छा वरखोजती हैं। कॉस्‍मेटि‍क्‍स खोजती हैं। सजने संवरने में अनंत समय खर्च करतीहैं। आत्‍ममुग्‍ध नायि‍का की तरह स्‍वयं के सम्‍मोहन में कैद रहती हें।लेकि‍न एक ऐसी औरत भी है जो न सजती है ,न संवरती है ,उसका एकमात्रसाज-श्रृंगार है लोकतंत्र।

अगर कोई पूछे औरत को क्‍या चाहि‍एमैं कहूँगा लोकतंत्र । आदि‍वासी को क्‍या चाहि‍ए ? लोकतंत्र। गरीबों कोक्‍या चाहि‍ए ?लोकतंत्र । देश में लोकतंत्र है या नहीं यह इस बात से तयहोगा कि‍ आदि‍वासि‍यों ,औरतों और अति‍गरीबों के जीवन में लोकतंत्र वहुँचाहै कि‍ नहीं। इनके जीवन में लोकतंत्र का वातावरण बना है या नहीं। लोकतंत्रकी पहचान का मानक वोट नहीं है। चुनी हुई सरकार नहीं है। लोकतंत्र का अर्थहै आदि‍वासी ,औरत और अल्‍पसंख्‍यकों के लि‍ए लोकतंत्र की गारंटी।लोकतांत्रि‍क वातावरण की सृष्‍टि‍। मानवाधि‍कारों की अबाधि‍त गारंटी। इसपैमाने पर केन्‍द्र सरकार वि‍गत साठ सालों में बुरी तरह वि‍फल रही है।

आदि‍वासी,औरत और अल्‍पसंख्‍यक हमारे समाज की धुरी हैं। बहुसंख्‍यकआबादी इन्‍हीं तीन समूहों में नि‍वास करती है और इनमें लोकतंत्र के दर्शनदूर-दूर तक नहीं होते। इन तीनों समूहों के जीवन में लोकतंत्र औरमानवाधि‍कारों के अभाव और हनन को आए दि‍न अपनी आंखों के सामने देखते हैं औरचुप रहते हैं।

आप शहर में रहते हैं या गांवों में ,गरीब हैं याअमीर हैं,महानगर में रहते हैं या आदि‍वासी जंगलों में। कुछ देर के लि‍एवि‍चार कीजि‍ए क्‍या हम अपने समाज में आदि‍वासी, औरत और अल्‍पसंख्‍यकों कोदैनन्‍दि‍न जीवन में लोकतांत्रि‍क ढंग से जीने देते हैं ? क्‍या इन समूहोंको इनकी शर्तों पर जीने देते हैं। जी नहीं। इसके वि‍परीत इनके लोकतांत्रि‍कहकों का हनन करते रहते हैं। हम अभी भी अंदर से अलोकतांत्रि‍क बने हुए हैं।

हमारेदेश में लोकतंत्र का प्रहसन चल रहा है। इसमें हम सब मजा लेरहे हैं। दर्शक की तरह तालि‍यां बजा रहे हैं। लोकतंत्र हमारे लि‍ए देखने कीचीज है। हम इसमें हि‍स्‍सा नहीं लेते सि‍र्फ दर्शक की तरह देखते हैं। जयहो जय हो करते हैं।

आदि‍वासी,औरत और अल्‍पसंख्‍यकों के प्रतीक याआइकॉन के रूप में हमारे बीच में एक औरत है जो लोकतंत्र के इस प्रहसन मेंताली बजाने को तैयार नहीं है। वह लोकतंत्र में हि‍स्‍सा लेना चाहती है। वहदर्शक बने रहना नहीं चाहती। उसके लि‍ए मानवाधि‍कार कागजी चीजें नहीं हैं।वह एक लेखि‍का है उसने सैंकड़ों कवि‍ताएं लि‍खी हैं। उसे अपनी कवि‍ता केलि‍ए लोकतंत्र की तलाश है। वह लोकतंत्र और मानवाधि‍कारों के बि‍ना जिंदानहीं रहना चाहती। इसके लि‍ए वह दस साल से भूख हडताल पर है। वह शांति‍पूर्णप्रति‍वाद कर रही है।

उसने कभी हिंसा नहीं की। उसके खि‍लाफराज्‍य की संपत्‍ति‍ नष्‍ट करने का भी आरोप नहीं है। वह केन्‍द्र सरकार केखि‍लाफ राजद्रोह में भी शामि‍ल नहीं रही।उसके खि‍लाफ कि‍सी भी कि‍स्‍म केअपराध का मामला सरकार नहीं बना पायी है। इसके बावजूद वह मणि‍पुर में कैद है। वह लोकतंत्र की देवी है उसका नाम है इरोम चानू शर्मि‍ला।

आज सेठीक दस साल पहले 2 नबम्‍बर 2000 को उसने भूख हडताल आरंभ की थी, उसकी मांगहै कि‍ मणि‍पुर से '' आर्म्‍स फोर्सेज स्‍पेशल पावर एक्‍ट 1958'' को तुरंतहटाया जाए। इस कानून के बहाने इस इलाके में सेना को उत्‍पीड़न करने के अबाधअधि‍कार मि‍ल गए हैं। इरोम का भारत के लोकतंत्र में गहरा वि‍श्‍वास है औरवह चाहती है कि‍ मणि‍पुर के नागरि‍कों के मानवाधि‍कारों की रक्षा की जाए।इस इलाके के लोगों को मानवाधि‍कारों का उपभोग करने का मौका दि‍या जाए। इरोमदस साल से भूख हडताल पर है पुलि‍स के लोग उसे नलि‍यों के जरि‍ए जबर्दस्तीखाना -पानी देते रहे हैं।

इरोम को सेना ,सत्‍ता,यश,दौलत,पद,पुरस्‍कार नहीं चाहि‍ए । वह शांति‍ से रहना चाहती है।अपने ही लोगों की सुरक्षा के साए में रहना चाहती है। इरोम आज उत्‍तरपूर्वीराज्‍यों की ही नहीं बल्‍कि‍ सारे देश के आदि‍वासि‍यों,औरतों औरअल्‍पसंख्‍यकों के लोकतांत्रि‍क अधि‍कारों के जंग की प्रतीक बन गयी है। वहमानवाधि‍कारों के लि‍ए धीरे धीरे गल रही है। उसकी मांग है कि‍ मणि‍पुर से ''सैन्‍यबल वि‍शेषाधि‍कार कानून'' हटाया जाए। पुलि‍स उसे दस साल सेजबर्दस्‍ती खाने खि‍ला रही है। उसने अपने हाथ से न तो खाना खाया है और एकबूंद पानी ही पीया है। आज वह भारत की सत्‍ता के खि‍लाफ प्रति‍वाद प्रतीक बनगयी है।
उसने वि‍शेष सैन्‍य कानून को 'नो' बोल दि‍या है। उसका 'नो' या 'नहीं' अनेकार्थी है। उसके 'नहीं' में वि‍भ्रम नहीं है। अस्‍थि‍रतानहीं है। अति‍रि‍क्‍त अर्थ अथवा अति‍रंजना भी नहीं है। उसके 'नहीं' मेंमणि‍पुरी जनता के जानोमाल,सम्‍मान और स्‍वाभि‍मान की रक्षा का भाव व्‍यक्‍तहुआ है। वह 'नो' के जरि‍ए भारतीय सत्‍ता की वि‍भेदकारी दृष्‍टि‍ को सामनेला रही है।

उत्‍तर-पूर्व के आदि‍वासि‍यों और पर्वतीय जाति‍यों केप्रति‍ केन्‍द्र सरकार की असफल और भेदभावपूर्ण राजनीति‍ पर पर्दा डालने केलि‍ए वि‍शेष सेन्‍य कानून का इस्‍तेमाल कि‍या जा रहा है। उत्‍तर-पूर्व केराज्‍यों में यह कानून एक दशक से भी ज्‍यादा समय से लागू है। इरोम ने जब इसबर्बर कानून के प्रति‍ 'नो' कहा । उसका 'नो' शौकि‍या नहीं है।स्‍वत:स्‍फूर्त्‍त नहीं है। बल्‍कि‍ सुचिंति‍त है।इरोम ने जब 'नो' बोलाथा तो यह सि‍र्फ सैन्‍य कानून के प्रति‍ इंकार नहीं था बल्‍कि‍ भारत कीराजसत्‍ता का भी अस्‍वीकार था।

इरोम जब सैन्‍य कानून को 'नो' बोलरही थी तो वह भारतीय सत्‍ता के शोषक उत्‍पीडक शासन को भी 'नो' कह रही थी,वहउन तमाम कानूनों को भी 'नो' कह रही थी जो मणि‍पुरी जनता के मानवाधि‍‍कारोंका हनन करते हैं। वह उन तमाम जाति‍यों और सामाजि‍क समूहों के प्रवि‍लेज कोभी 'नो' कह रही है जो केन्‍द्र की नीति‍यों के कारण इन्‍हें मि‍ले हैं। वहहमारे संवि‍धान में नि‍हि‍त मानवाधि‍कार वि‍रोधी कानूनों को भी 'नो' कहरही है। आज उसके 'नो' में एक नहीं अनेक 'नो' शामि‍ल हैं। वह पूंजीवादीवि‍कास की कल्‍याणकारी नीति‍यों को भी 'नो' कह रही है। उसका 'नो' मानवाधि‍कार से वंचि‍त आदि‍वासि‍यों की आवाज है।

इरोम का 'नो' एकस्‍त्री का 'नो' नहीं है। वह अपने 'नो' के जरि‍ए बता रही है कि‍ उत्‍तरपूर्व में सब कुछ सामान्‍य नहीं है। उसका 'नो' उत्‍तरपूर्व के आर्थि‍कवि‍कास की पोल खोलता है।केन्‍द्र सरकार का उत्‍तर पूर्व के राज्‍यों कोलेकर जि‍स तरह का दमनात्‍मक और उपेक्षापूर्ण रवैयया रहा है उस सबको वह 'नो' कह रही है।
इरोम का 'नो' एक औरत का 'नो' है। औरत जब कि‍सी बात पर 'नो' कहती है तो बागी कहलाती है। उसने सचमुच में मानवाधि‍कारों के लि‍एबगावत कर दी है। उसने औरत और आदि‍वासी जाति‍यों के स्‍वाभि‍मान के लि‍एबगावत कर दी है उसकी बगावत खाली नहीं जाएगी। यह ऐसी बगावत है जि‍सनेकेन्‍द्र की नींद हराम कर दी है। यह ऐसी बगावत है जि‍से सेना रोक नहीं पारही है,यह ऐसी बगावत है जि‍समें जनता की बजाय सत्‍ता हिंसा पर उतर आयी है।

हमारे देश की तमाम प्रमुख राजनीति‍क पार्टियां ,मध्‍यवर्ग -उच्‍चमध्‍यवर्ग और मीडि‍या कल्‍याणकारी राज्‍य के फल खाने में मशगूल हैं।उन्‍हें उत्‍तर पूर्व का संकट समझ में नहीं आता।उनकी इसमें कोईदि‍लचस्‍पी नहीं है।वे इरोम की भूख हडताल पर उद्वेलि‍त नहीं होते।
बौद्धि‍कों का समाज परजीवि‍यों और चंचल लोगों के रूप में इधर उधर के मसलोंपर मीडि‍या से लेकर सेमीनारों में तलवार भांजता रहता है। लेकि‍न उसेआदि‍वासि‍यों के मसले,उपेक्षा और अपमान परेशान नहीं करते। आदि‍वासी यदि‍अपनी कि‍सी समस्‍या पर समाधान के लि‍ए राजनीति‍क प्रति‍क्रि‍या व्‍यक्तकरते हैं तो तुरंत हिंसा हिंसा का हाहाकार शुरू हो जाता है।

इरोमशर्मीला के 'नो' ने भारत के बहुसांस्‍कृति‍कवाद की भी पोल खोल दी है। हमारीसत्‍ता प्रचार में बहुसांस्‍कृति‍कवाद का जि‍तना ही ढोल पीटे व्‍यवहार मेंउसने बहुसांस्‍कृति‍क सहि‍ष्‍णुता को न्‍यूनतम स्‍पेस तक नहीं दि‍या है।आज अधि‍कांश आदि‍वासी इलाके सेना के हवाले हैं अथवा साम्‍प्रदायि‍क औरपृथकतावादि‍यों के कब्‍जे में हैं। इन राज्‍यों से लोकतांत्रि‍क ताकतेंएकसि‍रे से गायब कर दी गयी हैं अथवा हाशि‍ए पर पहुँचा दी गयी हैं।इनराज्‍यों में लोकतंत्र और मानवाधकारों के अभाव में वि‍भि‍न्‍न जनजाति‍योंके बीच में वि‍द्वेष और टकराव चरर्मोत्‍कर्ष पर पहुँच गया है।

इरोमशर्मीला का प्रति‍वाद कि‍सी भी तरह पृथकतावादी नहीं है। उसकी कोई मांग भीपृथकतावादी नहीं है। इन इलाकों में वि‍शेष सैन्‍य कानून और जनता केप्रति‍नि‍धि‍यों का शासन एक साथ चल रहा है। इन दोनों में गहरा अन्‍तर्विरोघहै। सेना के शासन और मानवाधि‍कारों के अभाव में लोकतंत्र का शासन मूलत:अधि‍नायकवादी तंत्र है।

मणि‍पुर में सेना को वि‍शेष अधि‍कार देने केबाद सामाजि‍क जीवन में शांति‍ नहीं लौटी है,अपराध नहीं घटे हैं। अपराध औरउत्‍पीड़न का ग्राफ नि‍रंतर बढा है। उत्‍तर औपनि‍वेशक समाजों की यह ठोससच्‍चाई है जि‍तना ज्‍यादा पुलि‍स और सैन्‍यबलों का इस्‍तेमाल समाज केनि‍यमन के लि‍ए कि‍या गया है उतना ही अराजकता और अव्‍यवस्‍था बढ़ी है।उत्‍तर औपनि‍वेशि‍क परि‍स्‍थि‍ति‍यों और समस्‍याओं के समाधान सेना औरपुलि‍स के हाथ में देने से समस्‍या और भी उलझी है। उत्‍तर पूर्व केराज्‍यों से लेकर जम्‍मू-कश्‍मीर तक और इधर लालगढ में सेना और पुलि‍स कीजि‍तनी नि‍गरानी और हस्‍तक्षेप बढा है उससे समाज और भी ज्‍यादाअनि‍यंत्रि‍त हुआ है।
इस युग में जि‍तनी सेना उतनी ही अराजकता।जि‍तनी पुलि‍स की नि‍गरानी उतना ही ज्‍यादा अपराधी हिंसाचार। मणि‍पुर भी इसफि‍नोमि‍ना से बचा नहीं है। सरकार ने सेना को वि‍शेष अधि‍कार समाज कोअनुशासि‍त करने और दंडि‍त करने के लि‍ए दि‍ए हैं लेकि‍न इसके परि‍णामउल्‍टे नि‍कले हैं । उत्‍तर पूर्व के राज्‍यों में पहले की तुलना में आजज्‍यादा अराजकता और असुरक्षा है। जि‍नके हाथ में सत्‍ता है वे लोकतंत्र औरआजादी का नाटक कर रहे हैं। मानवाधि‍कारों के अभाव में उत्‍तर पूर्व केराज्‍यों में राष्‍ट्र-राज्‍य की पकड़ कमजोर हुई है। राष्‍ट्र-राज्‍य कीकमजोरि‍यों को छि‍पाने के लि‍ए सेना को वि‍शेष अधि‍कार देने के बहानेकेन्‍द्र अपना इन राज्‍यों में वर्चस्‍व बनाए रखना चाहता है।

आयरनीयह है कि‍ इन इलाकों में भारत सरकार का शासन है लेकि‍न आम लोगों के साथसरकार का संबंध पूरी तरह कट चुका है। आम लोग भारत में रहते हुए भी उन तमामअधि‍कारों से अपने को वंचि‍त हैं जो दि‍ल्‍ली-मुंबई-चेन्‍नई आदि‍ केनागरि‍क उपभोग कर रहे हैं। इन राज्‍यों के नागरि‍कों का दैनन्‍दि‍न अनुभवभारत सरकार और उसके तंत्र के प्रति‍ आस्‍थाएं कमजोर करता है। भारत सरकार नेअपने इन इलाकों में आतंक का हौव्‍वा खड़ा कि‍या और बाद में उसके दमन केलि‍ए सेना को वि‍शेषाधि‍कार देकर दमन चक्र आरंभ कर दि‍या।
उत्‍तरपूर्व को लेकर सत्‍ता का शानदार मीडि‍या प्रबंधन है ।भारत मेंज्‍यादातर पत्र-पत्रि‍काएं पढने वाले तक इन राज्‍यों में क्‍या हो रहाहै,सेना क्‍या कर रही है, माफि‍या गि‍रोह क्‍या कर रहे हैं, भूमि‍गत संगठनकैसे अपराधी गति‍वि‍धि‍यों में लि‍प्‍त हैं,इरोम शर्मीला कौन है और वह कि‍सबात के लि‍ए दस साल से भूख हडताल पर है इत्‍यादि‍ सवालों के बारे में आमलोग एकदम नहीं जानते। मीडि‍या में उत्‍तरपूर्व एकसि‍‍रे से गायब है।
मीडि‍या में केन्‍द्र के प्रधान राजनीति‍क दलों,सैलीब्रेटी ,फि‍ल्‍मीगाने और क्रि‍केट की खबरों के बहाने लोकतंत्र के समूचे सारवान खबरों केसंसार को अपदस्‍थ कर दि‍या गया है। मीडि‍या ने लोकतंत्र और मानवाधि‍कारोंको क्रि‍केट और सैलीब्रेटी के जरि‍ए अपदस्‍थ कर दि‍या है। राजनीति‍ में भीमीडि‍या सि‍र्फ केन्‍द्र के प्रधानदल और वि‍पक्ष की राजनीति‍ के सतहीसवालों मशगूल रहता है। उसकी क्षेत्रीय राजनीति‍ खासकर उत्‍तर पूर्वीराज्‍यों की राजनीति‍ को एजेंडा बनाने में दि‍लचस्‍पी नहीं होती। वहमानवाधि‍कारहनन के बडे सवालों में नि‍रंतर दि‍लचस्‍पी नहीं लेता।

मणि‍पुर की पुलि‍स व्‍यवस्‍था कुछ इस तरह की है कि‍ आए दि‍न थाने मेंबंदी मार दि‍ए जाते हैं अथवा एनकाउंटर करके लोग मार दि‍ए जाते हैं। जो लोगअपराध कर रहे हैं उन्‍हें पुलि‍स पकड़ नहीं पाती है इसके वि‍परीत नि‍र्दोषनागरि‍क मार दि‍ए जाते हैं। औरतों के साथ बलात्‍कार की घटनाएं इस दौरान बढीहैं। ह्यूमन राइटस वाच गुप ने मांग की है कि‍ भारत सरकार तुरंत एक्‍शन ले।क्‍योंकि‍ मणि‍पुर मेंसुरक्षाबलों और हथि‍यारबंद गि‍रोहों के द्वारा रोजर्नि‍दोष लोगों की हत्‍याएं की जा रही हैं। अपहरण कि‍या जा रहा है। यह भीमांग की है भारत सरकार तुरंत 'सैन्‍य बल (वि‍शेषाधि‍कार) कानून ' को खत्‍मकरे। उल्‍लेखनीय है इस कानून को खत्‍म करने के बारे में केन्‍द्र सरकार केद्वारा बि‍ठाई गयी कमेटी सि‍फारि‍श सन् 2004 में कर चुकी है। इसके बावजूदकेन्‍द्र सरकार ने इस जनवि‍रोधी कानून को अभी तक खत्‍म नहीं कि‍या है।

This article has been written by Dr. Jagdishwar Chaturvedi of Kolkata University. 

Also published @ http://www.janjwar.com/2011-05-27-09-06-02


Monday, 29 October 2012

Fifth Article of the article series: The Oblivious Truth of Irom Sharmila and Her Hunger Strike of 12 years


As a recent move of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nationwide protest against the neglect and suppression of Irom Sharmila, is observing 12 Article series to reflect 12 years of suppression of Irom Sharmila's fast.

In this series one article per day will be published on its website and will be dedicated to one year fast of Irom. This will conclude on 5th November, the day when Irom Sharmila will be unfortunately completing her 12 years of struggle. 

Here's the fifth article:

The Oblivious Truth of Irom Sharmila and Her Hunger Strike of 12 years

By Abhijit Bhomia

“If Sharmila dies, Parliament is directly responsible,” she thundered at a gathering of journalists. “If she dies, courts and judiciary are responsible, the military is responsible… If she dies, the executive, the PM and President are responsible for doing nothing… If she dies, each one of you journalists is responsible because you did not do your duty…” these are the statements made by the Iranian nobel peace prize winner Shirin Ebadi on a trip to India in 2006 in support of Irom Sharmila Chanu.

Irom Sharmila, a poet, a social activist and a native of the ‘neglected’ state of Manipur and she is on hunger strike for 12 years now. Yes, twelve years, that is nothing in front of Anna Hazare’s fast of four days and still majority of Indians do not know about her and the cause she is fighting for. Irony, it is, that one person is getting so much media coverage and another person who is fighting for a similar cause is neglected by the government and most importantly by the media. She is fighting for the people of North East India and wants the repeal of AFSPA(Armed Forces Special Powers Act). The growing insurgency in Kashmir and North East India resulted in the inception of AFSPA. Citizens of these regions thought that now they would be safe from the militants but they did not know that atrocities by the men in uniform would follow soon. More than 20,000 people have been killed so far in Manipur alone, estimate the numbers of the whole North East.



Gandhi inspires her, and in this country of Gandhi, she is being jailed as she expresses her solidarity towards the Draconian law of AFSPA. She is not doing this for fame, but for the people of North East who are helpless and weak in front of the ruthless army. She has been fasting because this is the only weapon left with her and then she is being charged under ATTEMPT TO SUICIDE and is being jailed for a year and then police arrest her again after 2-3 days. Isn’t this what Anna Hazare is doing, and the police is not arresting him under the same charge. Double Standards.

The big Indian media houses boast about their ethics, where are those ethics when it comes to the coverage of Irom’s struggle? Do these media houses only want sky high TRPs and not highlight the news and development regarding to Irom’s hunger strike? Strong questions are left unanswered about ETHICAL media.

Leaving aside the double standards of the police and the media, let me talk about the government now. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formed a committee in 2004 to look into the matter of AFSPA, the committee was headed by Justice Jeevan Reddy. The report by the committee has been submitted to the government but it has not made it public yet but the report is there with The Hindu and it clearly recommends the repeal of AFSPA as "the Act, for whatever reason, has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and highhandedness".

The report was submitted to the government years back but nothing has been done till now. If it has been proved that the law, instead of solving problems, has created problems then why hasn’t it been repealed? Why are they still silent? Why are the suppressing her and till when will they do? 12 years of ignoring the plea for humanity, isint that enough?

Abhijit Bhomia is a student at BITS , Pilani and Volunteer of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign. He can be reached at abhijit493@gmail.com 

Also published at http://www.countercurrents.org/bhomia291012.htm

http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=features.Profile_of_Manipuri_Personalities.Irom_Sharmila.The_Oblivious_Truth_of_Irom_Sharmila_and_Her_Hunger_Strike_of_12_years


Sunday, 28 October 2012

Fourth Article of the Article-series : Diary entry of Irom Sharmila on the eve of 5th November

As a recent move of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nationwide protest against the neglect and suppression of Irom Sharmila, is observing 12 Article series to reflect 12 years of suppression of Irom Sharmila's fast.

In this series one article per day will be published on its website and will be dedicated to one year fast of Irom. This will conclude on 5th November, the day when Irom Sharmila will be unfortunately completing her 12 years of struggle. 

Here's the fourth article: 

Diary entry of Irom Sharmila on the eve of 5th November

By Shekhar Jain



If I were Irom Sharmila, my diary entry on the eve of 5th November would have been:



“Tomorrow it will be 12 years. I still remember my last dinner which I ate with my mother. Now, I don’t even remember how food tastes and to run for water when you are really thirsty. Seems like, I have gone past the need of these two necessary evils. But...But did I ever imagine doing this…??? Did I ever imagine my fight will be this long??? God always helped me and I always thank him for all the strength he gave me to survive. Although this nostril tube irritates me sometimes but having it for 12 years now, it has become like another organ of my body.



When I remember the day when Assam rifles had killed those innocent people, I still shudder. The face of  that 18 years kid, who won the child bravery award and could have been a future for India and that 62 old year mother…They still gives me more strength to keep my fight alive.

I always read about Mahatma Gandhi and his non violence stories. I tried to follow the same path but I never imagined that my call for non-violence and peace will be ignored by the same Government whose offices are decorated with framed photo of Mahatma Gandhi. Seems like they forgotten his values of peace and non-violence. 

They have not only ignored my voice but have also implicated me in a false case. Every year, I have to appear in the court for a false case. They have levied a charge which is not only false but also disrespects my step. I have been charged of committing “suicide”. Even the British govt knew that Mahatama Ghandhi was on a protest and was not committing suicide. I do not wish to die. I want the Government to save me and my people. For this, I am ready to sacrifice my life. It is not suicide, it is a form of protest. And I had learnt this way of protest from my nation and keeping my faith alive in my nation, I will continue this. I am fighting for humanity and I will keep on doing this. 

I never felt I was alone but sometimes. Few incidences that have come to my knowledge have been very disturbing but have given me the strength to go on. The killing of Manorama was one of them. I still feel horrified the way, i heard, she was assassinated. God knows what all happened with her before she was killed. I heard that after the incident, there was a naked parade.  I must salute all the women who did that. It takes a lot of courage in doing something like this.

I tried to take my voice directly to the centre and went to Delhi in 2006 but I was not allowed to stay there and was forcefully sent back to Manipur. I have been confined to a room in Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital for 12 years. Another thing that I do not understand is that even as a prisoner, I have not been given my rights. Unlike other prisoners, I have not been allowed visitors. Why do people have to take permission from four authorities to meet me?  I am not a terrorist. I am a reputed citizen of India who has faith in the Indian constitution. 

Recently someone told me that I am a record holder for longest fast. Ripley’s believe it or not had published my name.  Though I never wanted to set such a record but my regards to them for their recognition!

I sometimes wonder…if not about my life and my people’s life, isn’t the Government bothered about the image of our country? What will people think about the World’s largest democracy? What about the image of our diverse nation, “unity in diversity” phrase? Isn’t the Government bothered? I know that many people all across the nation support me. They write to me and tell me how whenever someone hears of my plight, they are sympathetic towards me. They are shocked. If not on the grounds on humanity and justice, the Government should think about how it is deteriorating the sense of patriotism.

I demand the repeal of AFSPA. It is something which will bring peace in the mind and heart of north- eastern people. I want myself and people in my region to have a normal and peaceful life. Is it wrong? Is it such an extravagant demand? I am only demanding peace and justice. Till when will this struggle go on…Till when will I be hungry, for peace, for justice and for non-violence? 
I just hope and pray may this new year bring a answer to few of my question.

Shekhar Jain is a recent post-graduate in electronics from Delhi University. He is a volunteer of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign. He can be reached at jainshekhar36@gmail.com 

Also published at http://www.countercurrents.org/jain281012.htm

http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=features.Profile_of_Manipuri_Personalities.Irom_Sharmila.Diary_entry_of_Irom_Sharmila_on_the_eve_of_5th_November

Thursday, 25 October 2012

First Article in the article-series on Irom: Questioning the world's largest democracy, a fair judiciary and star-obsessed media

As a recent move of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nationwide protest against the neglect and suppression of Irom Sharmila, is observing 12 Article series to reflect 12 years of suppression of Irom Sharmila's fast.

In this series one article per day will be published on its website and will be dedicated to one year fast of Irom.

This will conclude on 5th November, the day when Irom Sharmila will be unfortunately completing her 12 years of stuggle. 

Here's the first article: 

Questioning the world's largest democracy, a fair judiciary and star-obsessed media

By Swathi Gadepalli


Sharmila who? I wondered when I had read her name a few months back on a networking site. Must be a weight lifter or some sportsperson, I thought. Then I read the caption below, the words "fast" caught my attention. Oh! It must be someone from Hazare's camp fasting for that anti-corruption bill. Just as that thought came into my mind I decided to click on the link to know more, (because through the media I had followed the movement with a patriotic fervor and had felt like I was really a part of the campaign.) Then her picture emerged in which there was sort of pipe to her nose, her condition must be serious to warrant such food pipes and stuff I thought, How many days had she been on the hunger strike I wondered next, I read the article. It had shocked the hell out of me. Eleven years (twelve now) of fasting?? Why? How? When? I didn’t understand anything else. Just that, eleven years a lady had fasted...Eleven years...a lady had felt so close to a cause that she decided to dedicate her time, energy and health to fight for it. Then I reread the article to know what was the cause for which a person can go to such length. I read something about special powers given to the army to protect civilians from “militants” was being misused and abused by the army. Fake encounters and killing of innocents was mentioned. What special powers are they talking about? Looking up for these "powers “on wikipedia left me feeling cheated. Cheated by my own nation, yes the law and order situation must have been horrible in these places to put the armed forces there-accepted, yes they need to fight militancy and keep terrorism at bay-accepted but nothing gives the right for a culprit, a rapist roaming freely whether hes a civilian or an armyman. 

It saddened me to think that some people in the army are doing all this when they should be the one who are supposed to protect us, but it's not completely their fault; it's the fault of the Govt. to have given them such arbitrary power, like a parent allowing a small kid to play with fire...it will eventually burn the kid’s hands or it may let the kid set fire to the house.
But what is also shocking to me is the fact that at a time when the media of the nation has become a force to reckon with, it is really a sorry thing to see how the media chooses to highlight some issues while ignoring the others. It is the same media who made a five day fast into a nationwide movement while ignoring a 12 year fast in A NORTH EASTERN STATE. The good old trips and the glamour quotient of a news item seem to dictate what is to shown in the name of "news". SHAME that the media decides what is fit for us to know and what is not. And sad that most people like me have no idea who she is. Sharmila who indeed!!

Swathi Gadepalli is a student from Hyderabad. She can be mailed at swathi.gadepalli@gmail.com


Also published at http://www.countercurrents.org/gadepalli251012.htm

http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=features.Profile_of_Manipuri_Personalities.Irom_Sharmila.Questioning_the_world_largest_democracy_a_fair_judiciary_and_star-obsessed_media



Saturday, 22 October 2011

Srinagar to Imphal Save Sharmila Yatra reaches Varanasi on 22nd October 2011


Press Release


Srinagar to Imphal Save Sharmila Yatra
reaches Varanasi on 22nd October 2011

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign(SSSC) has organized a Jan Caravan from Jammu to Imphal to support Irom Sharmila, a Manipuri poet and activist who has been on a fast for 11 years for repeal of AFSPA. The Caravan will cover 10 states. The Caravan has people from different parts of the country. Irom Sharmila’s brother Singhajit is also part of the Caravan.

The Caravan of around 25 people reached Varanasi on 22nd October 2011. The Caravan stayed at Patel Dharamshala.

A seminar on Irom Sharmila and “Security Laws in India and position of human rights activists’ was held at conference hall of the Patel Dharamshala from 10 to 12 PM. The seminar was organized by the Sajha Sanskriti Manch which is a network of 54 local ngos. The speakers included Niti Bhai of Lok Chetna Samiti, Shabbir Bhai, Arvind Skhrwal, and Mahendra Bhai.
Niti Bhai remarked, “In the land of Gandhi, the voice of a true Gandhian should not be neglected”. Arvind Skhrwal added, “Save Sharmila, Save Democracy”. Mahendra Bhai argued that, “If the Government can consider talks with naxals, then why can’t with Irom Sharmila”. The seminar received a good response. 

After lunch, there was a march from Patel Bhawan to Kashi Vidyapeeth. The march saw about 200 people. This was followed by another seminar where one of the Kashmir interlocutor, Mr. Ansari was also present.

The Caravan will now move towards Patna. It has covered Jammu, Srinagar, Ludhiana, Panipat, Delhi, Aligarh, Kanpur and Lucknow. From Patna, it will then go to Ranchi, Kolkata, Guwahati and then finally to Imphal on 27th October 2011. 

Date: 21 Octobeter KARWAN met People of Kanpur & Lucknow


PRESS RELEASE

 
Date: 21 Octobeter KARWAN met People of Kanpur & Lucknow
 
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign(SSSC) has organized a Jan Caravan from Jammu to Imphal to support Irom Sharmila, a Manipuri poet and activist who has been on a fast for 11 years for repeal of AFSPA.
The Caravan of around 25 people reached Kanpur on 21st October 2011. Local activities was organized by Mahesh Bhai of Asha Parivar. The caravan was welcomed by hundreds of civil rights activists, the Student Islamic Organization and the general public. The Caravan then marched till the Bharat Mata Chowk.
A public meeting was held at the Harihar Shastri Bhawan. The speakers included noted hindi writer andPadmashree recipient Giriraj Kishore told that democracy needs such brave steps from the side of public. He told that I can understand that 4500 km. journey is not so easy and in spite of that courage of the karwan people show that people are there in society who want to work without any desire of advantage. He told that he is very fortunate to welcome such a group of people.
Mahesh Bhai of Asha Parivar told that we all in asha parivar welcome all such initiatives that focus on values. Values of democracy, peace and justice are most required to live the life without fear. Faisal Khan informed that karwan has covered 7 cities till now and going ahead without fear. we all believe that ignorance is not a soluation and thus government should initiate a positive dialogue of peace with Irom Sharmila as soon as possible. Arvind Skhrwal added that in a democracy, everyone has the right to raise their voice and get heard. We will fight for our demand that is start of talk with Irom.
The Kanpur event saw an amazing response and renewed the hopes.
Karwan then moved towards Lucknow, where it was welcomed at Central Academy by hundreds of students and parents of a school. A press meet cum public meeting was being organized at auditorium of Central Academy, Ashiana, Lucknow.
Noted activist and Megsesay awardee Dr. Sandeep Pandey was also present there and told that students should get involved in social issues through all available means . parents should also focus on all round development of their wards and here it becomes very important to teach them about happenings in society. Irom Sharmila’s struggle has become a symbol of peaceful protest. She has ecvery right to be heard and government must listen and talk with her as soon as possible.
Advocate Shoaib of lucknow, who is also famous for their fight for social causes, told that the law (AFSPA) violates the basic human rights.
Retired Colonel Kulbhushan Avadh told that even many army personals want to repeal the law because general people start hate with army persons and live in fear. People to people relation should based on co existence without fear. We all appeal with government to start the talk with Irom Ji. Irom’s fight not for herself but for the people, for the land, for the democracy.
Bobby Ramakant told that people were not aware about Irom, but only after start of this campaign, gradually awareness is spreading.  Now, anyone who know about Irom, supports her. Her sacrifice is so big and peaceful that no one can question on that. We all should apread this awareness among others too to support her.
Other karwan people told that this journey filled their hearts with joy and tears. They told that they met with people of various states, with varying culture but they found that everywhere, love is common. They all loved us, supported us and we all are very thankful for them. We hope that this campaign must bring the change in government’s attitude.
It is noted that Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign launched a nationwide protest to support Irom Sharmila and this campaign has its specific demands.  After start of its first Nationwide Signature Campaign, now campaign started its journey from Srinagar to Imphal that is a 4500 km journey and will travel through 10 states for spreading awareness among people and then to get their support for demands of the campaign.
 Demands of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign are : To start positive steps of talk with Irom and to listen her demand seriously, to send all party delegation to Manipur to meet Irom and people of Manipur and to send members of NWC/NHRC to investigate cases of atrocities.

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

17 OCTOBER: SRINAGAR to IMPHAL SAVE SHARMILA JAN KARWAN: LUDHIANA


PRESS RELEASE
Date: 17 OCT 2011
LUDHIANA


Srinagar to Imphal Save Sharmila Jan Karwan that is started from Srinagar on 16th October reached Ludhiana at 6:30 PM after its Jammu Program.

In Ludhiana, the activists received a warm welcome by Prof. Jagmohan Singh (a family member of Shaheed Bhagat Singh). All karwan persons and local activists marched candle light on Ludhiana road from railway station to Bhagat Singh Chowk.

A public meeting was organized at this chowk. Speakers told about the whole issue, AFSPA and reasons to support Irom Sharmila.

Speakers were Megsesay awardee Dr. Sandeep Pandey, Faisal Khan, Shehnaz Malik, Gufran Khan from karwan and Prof Jagmohan Singh, Prof. Malera, Sheetal ji and others.

Departure from Ludhiana 07:00 AM 18 October

SRINAGAR to IMPHAL SAVE SHARMILA JAN KARWAN start 16 OCT SRINAGAR


SRINAGAR
Date: 16 OCT 2011


SRINAGAR to IMPHAL SAVE SHARMILA JAN KARWANstarted its 4500 Km. journey to highlight Irom Sharmila’s cause, who is on hunger protest since last 10 years for her demand to repeal AFSPA. The karwan is organized by Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign. Campaign is a joint initiative of various social organizations and movements who are extending their solidarity towards the cause.

Social activists from all parts have come here at Srinagar to start the journey. Around 25 activists first went to Hazratbal to offer their prayer for peace and harmony. Renowned activists Medha Patekar, Megsesay awardee Dr. Sandeep Pandey and Irom Singhjit (brother of Irom Sharmila) also came here for the karwan.

From Hazratbal, karwan arrived here at Pratap Park where activists addressed the public and talked to media. Medha Patekar, Dr. Sandeep Pandey, Parveena Ahenger (Chairman, Praents of Disappeared Person), Irom Singhjit (brother of Irom Sharmila) flagged off the karwan led by Faisal Khan. At the time many activists from J&K including Shahabul Haque, Dr. Raza Muzaffar, Firdoos Ahmed Bhawani, Shahnawaz Mir, Tanveer Hussain, Dr. Ghulam Rasool and activists from Manipur Irom Singhjit (brother of Irom Sharmila) and Babloo were alo present there.

Medha Patekar told that we all are against AFSPA and all such laws that violates basic human right. Violence is not recommended in any form. She told that democratic values are in danger everywhere in Kashmir and north east and thus we all started the journey from here to show or solidarity. She also told that cases of disappeared persons should also get listed and government should attend the issues during her address to public.

Megsesay awardee Dr. Sandeep Pandey told that we want to raise the issue of Irom among public. He also told that Kashmir should get enough respect and attention to establish democratic values perfectly. 

Er. Ab. Rashid told that we are facing humiliations here and thus we welcome the move of all activists who are raising their voice towards humanity and human rights.

Faisal Khan informed that it is first time when any such journey is organized to protect democratic values and gandhian values. Irom has become a symbol of peace and a voice raise the issue of AFSPA. J&K is also affected from this law on one side and thus we all decided to start the journey from here. Karwan will travel through 10 states and will reach  Imphal on 27th October.   Mr. Khan told that we are organizing Srinagar to Imphal Jan Karwan to spread awareness about Irom Sharmila and to generate public support for her. Mr. Khan told that our main objective is to make public opinion about sufferings of people who are affected with AFSPA. We will conduct various activities such as pamphlet distribution, public meetings, press meet, nukkar natak etc, throughout the route. We will focus on states where people don’t know about irom and her cause and consequences of AFSPA. We believe that there is no place of such laws in democracy. We are against violencein any form and we oppose all such laws because these are unfit and non aligned with gandhian values. These laws are not dangerous for the public only, but these laws also created a rift between public and administration.We feel that public opinion in non victim states (where AFSPA is not imposed) to repeal AFSPA is very much required to save democracy and justice. He told that this journey will cover 10 states and around 4500 Km. It will move from Srinagar to Imphal via Jammu, Ludhiana, Karnal, Panipat, New Delhi, Aligarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, Ranchi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Journey will start on 16th October and will reach Imphal on 27th October. On an average we will cover more than one crore of population with the demand to repeal AFSPA.

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign told that the campaign has already launched nationwide protest. This is first time in history when any such campaign that is focused to repeal AFSPA has been launched in 21 states of India. Irom Sharmila, who is on hunger strike since the year 2000 has been ignored by government. Civil society has also not done much for the cause. AFSPA is imposed in J&K and NE states and many thousands people have been killed, tortured, lost in these states. Irom Sharmila is demanding to repeal AFSPA and she has become a symbol of peace and a strong voice against AFSPA. Hence, we all have to extend our support for her fight. J&K is affected with AFSPA on one side and NE states on another. Hence, the journey will start from Srinagar.
Activists of J&K told that we also support the Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign. We believe that it is our responsibility to extend our support towards the cause. We are victims of AFSPA and we are raising our voice since last many years. We have already seen many peace conferences and seminars in Kashmir but this is first time when a whole campaign is launched. I hope it will be a historical journey from Srinagar to Imphal because no such effort was made ever before. We welcome this move because AFSPA is the basic problem of Kashmir. People who are going towards larger population through this journey are really doing a nice job. We all are dedicated towards the cause. We all extending our support towards this campaign as the campaign is raising the basic issue of AFSPA which is important not only for J&K and NE states (victim states) but for other states too, as it will address the problems of democratic values.

Activists who are in karwan to meet with Irom Sharmila, includes Senior gandhians like Suresh Bhai (Bihar) & Balwant Yadav, Satya Prakash Bharat, Md. Iqbal, Asit Das, Gufran Khan, Adil Khan, Inamul Hasan, Ravi Nitesh, Ehsan Raza, Mahendra Sonawale, Md. Arish, Panakj Pathak, Bilal Kagzi, Ghulam Md. Gorsee, Shabbir, Sarwar, Ghulam Md. Will participate. Some women activists with Shahnaz from Gujrat also joined the karwan from Srinagar.
Campaign members told that many others will also join the karwan from many places of the route. This karwan will travel through Jammu, Ludhiana, Karnal, Panipat, New Delhi, Aligarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varansai, Patna, Ranchi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Imphal.   

The campaign has already received support of more than 70 organizations including National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM), Asha Parivar, Khudai Khidmatgar, Mission Bhartiyam, Sadbhav mission, ANHAD, J&K RTI Movement, INSAF, PEACE, Centre for Social justice (J&K), Yuva Koshish, SAMAR, Le Mashale, Society for Youth Development, Asian Centre for Social Studies, Just Peace Foundation, We The Common People (WTCP), Student Islamic Organization (SIO), Mahila Chetna Kendra, Inqualab Zindabad, Society for Youth Development, Save Democracy Repeal AFSPA, Rights Initiative, Islamic Releif & Research Trust (Kashmir), Inderwar Educational Society (Kishtwar), Chenab Welfare and Educational Trust (Doda) and many others.  

Departed from Srinagar at 7:00 PM