PPFA denounces diktat over Irom Sharmila
Guwahati: 06th August 2016
Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA) expresses shock and utter dismay over the unwanted diktat imposed by a section of
rebellion elements in Manipur on Irom Sharmila Chanu for her decision to end her hunger strike, join in politics and marry her longtime
friend. The forum opines, it looks very odd when those elements instead of showing respect to the fasting lady for her prolonged
sacrifice, only wanted to materialize their selfish interest out of Sharmila’s path of agitation.
Mentionable is that Sharmila is on fast since November 2000 raising
demands to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from
Manipur, the Myanmar bordering northeast Indian State (province). She
argued that the security personnel, engaged in her State (including
many parts of northeast India and J&K) for counter-insurgency
operation, continued taking advantage of AFSPA to kill even civilians
with impunity.
The middle aged activist, who remained under arrest for the country’s
suicide related laws and put in Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical
Sciences of Imphal, was nasal-fed by the doctors to keep her alive all
the years. Sharmila’s family members used to believe that she was
almost half-dead because of unusual food and life-style for long 16
years.
However, her recent declaration that she would end her fast unto
death on 9 August 2016, surprised many including those individuals who
was supporting her cause. Most of them agreed that it was her
individual decision, but some elements in Meitei society came out to
publicly criticize Sharmila for her declaration that she would not
only end her fast, but also might join in politics and marry.
Sharmila however insisted that she would continue fighting against
AFSPA with other political means. She also intended to contest Manipur
Assembly polls (as an independent candidate), scheduled for next year,
with an aim to fight politically against the draconian laws.
Expressing dissatisfaction over terming her a Devi (goddess) by a
section of people, Sharmila opted for marriage (with Desmond
Coutinho) to lead a normal life.
“It is shocking that some elements of Manipur are relentlessly
opposing Sharmila’s decision to end her hunger strike. More
appalling, those people even asked the Meitei activist not to contest
in any elections and abandon her plan to marry a non-Manipuri
national. It is simply ridiculous to impose diktats over Sharmila or
any one by anybody,” said a statement issued by PPFA.
Sharmila’s decision to end her fast should (must) be respected and
nobody can come on her way for a new life, asserted PPFA adding that
O. Ibobi Singh led government in Imphal must ensure her protection in
the backdrop of the situation and the Manipuri civil societies should
come forward raising their voices loud & clear against those elements
who dare to prevent an individual from fulfilling one’s personal
(legal) will.
Issued by Rupam Barua, Nava Thakuria, Pramod Kalita, Jagadindra
Raichoudhury, Anup Sarma etc for PPFA
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA) who can be contacted at navathakuria(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on August 07 2016
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