TODAY -
Bandh: The Cry Beneath the Silence
Maxstone Irom *
They called it Bandh — a general strike,
But general pain was more alike.
They marched in hope, they blocked the road,
But did it help to share the load?
Still in limbo, a question mark,
Two years on - still in the dark
They shouted "Rights!" with burning pride,
But hunger walked close by their side.
"Shut it down!" — a battle cry,
Yet empty plates still wondered why.
They spoke of solidarity, bold and bright,
But left the poor out of their sight.
The banners waved, the slogans flew,
But not a soul to feed the few.
Bandh — not bandh for all the same,
It plays a pause, but not the game.
It shakes the frame, but not the throne,
Leaves the weak to weep alone.
So tell me now, when curtains fall,
Did justice hear the poorest call?
Or did the strike just dim the spark,
And leave them shivering in the dark?
A protest song must carry weight,
Not crush the ones it claims to sate.
Let action walk with purpose true,
Not just shut doors and block the view.
* Poem written by Maxstone Irom for The Sangai Express
This poem was webcasted on 11 June 2025 .
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