As a country that supposedly gained its Independence from non-violent means the hypocrisies that continues in the nation are countless. In fact, the suppression that happens in the country remains vigilantly demarcated and prevails under layers of countless constitutional acts, amendments, laws institutions and finally powerful individuals. The fight for democracy in our country has not received the rightful attention it deserves. The non-ceasing crusade for justice and equality by the numerous human rights activist’s remains muted and cleverly concealed by authority. Fuelled with consumerist culture, the privileged in the country find it hard to imagine the “iron curtain” that is in existence in the country.
As well informed and media savvy individuals of country there are many among us who do not know about Irom Sharmila or the AFSPA. Not a controversial issue as the North –East region of our country has remained for long distant and remote to us. In fact, we “mainland Indians” have no understanding nor do we take interest on the issues of gross human rights violations that happen in the region. The only paradox is that the violations that happen here are due to the abuse of power by the army.
Unlike elsewhere in the country the people of these regions regard the army personnel only with terror and fear. The Army controls the regions with the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). This act confers special powers and legal immunity to army personnel in the North East region. The AFSPA is active in the states of Manipur, Nagaland and other North East States (Disturbed areas) to curb insurgency. The misuse of power by the army in these regions, leads to rapes, assaults, damage to property and most of all provides them an absolute power/control over people. The majority cases go unreported and the horrific crimes keep repeating. An appalling number of innocents have had to lay down their lives due to the human rights violations by the army.
Amidst this violent atmosphere, Irom Chanu Sharmila started her fast to death in November 2002, to repeal the AFSPA in Manipur. Seven years on and her non-violent crusade for justice continues with the same vigor. The grit and determination of this human rights activist that deserves special recognition and support remains anonymous to the majority. Following a path least travelled in a country notorious for violence Irom has proven the dedication to her cause, to her people and her home. She represents the need to imbibe the strength of non-violence to fight injustice. While adjectives do fall short, the grim reality remains that Irom is fighting a lonely battle.
In a nation, that regards “Gandhi” as “Father of the nation” who can explain the absence of honor to a WOMAN who has braved the odds to seek justice. In reality is India democratic. If so why has not the issues of human rights violations been resolved but prolonged with various committees and governments. The lack of accountability on the part of the government as well as the army to the violations and violence has remained a huge blotch with no answers. Unheeded and unnoticed Irom continues fasting for the cause of democracy. Perhaps she is the only individual who still believes in the “spirit of democracy” on which this nation was formed.
As well informed and media savvy individuals of country there are many among us who do not know about Irom Sharmila or the AFSPA. Not a controversial issue as the North –East region of our country has remained for long distant and remote to us. In fact, we “mainland Indians” have no understanding nor do we take interest on the issues of gross human rights violations that happen in the region. The only paradox is that the violations that happen here are due to the abuse of power by the army.
Unlike elsewhere in the country the people of these regions regard the army personnel only with terror and fear. The Army controls the regions with the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). This act confers special powers and legal immunity to army personnel in the North East region. The AFSPA is active in the states of Manipur, Nagaland and other North East States (Disturbed areas) to curb insurgency. The misuse of power by the army in these regions, leads to rapes, assaults, damage to property and most of all provides them an absolute power/control over people. The majority cases go unreported and the horrific crimes keep repeating. An appalling number of innocents have had to lay down their lives due to the human rights violations by the army.
Amidst this violent atmosphere, Irom Chanu Sharmila started her fast to death in November 2002, to repeal the AFSPA in Manipur. Seven years on and her non-violent crusade for justice continues with the same vigor. The grit and determination of this human rights activist that deserves special recognition and support remains anonymous to the majority. Following a path least travelled in a country notorious for violence Irom has proven the dedication to her cause, to her people and her home. She represents the need to imbibe the strength of non-violence to fight injustice. While adjectives do fall short, the grim reality remains that Irom is fighting a lonely battle.
In a nation, that regards “Gandhi” as “Father of the nation” who can explain the absence of honor to a WOMAN who has braved the odds to seek justice. In reality is India democratic. If so why has not the issues of human rights violations been resolved but prolonged with various committees and governments. The lack of accountability on the part of the government as well as the army to the violations and violence has remained a huge blotch with no answers. Unheeded and unnoticed Irom continues fasting for the cause of democracy. Perhaps she is the only individual who still believes in the “spirit of democracy” on which this nation was formed.
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