Why I don't care for Anna's anti-corruption movement

DNA | Kanika Sikka | Dec 28, 2011

Now that the Lokpal Bill is passed, and Anna Hazare can rightfully seeing off a bill that was on the anvil for over four decades, it is a good time to turn our attention towards those who are still fighting for a right to live.

Ronid Chingangbam tries to do exactly that, using his music to show the nation how there are people living their lives in the fear of not returning home every time they step out.

In the first of a two-part interview with DNA’s Kanika Sikka, Ronit, whose Imphal Talkies n the Howlers recently released a moving song speaking to the State on behalf of the marginalised, talks about the strife in the Northeast, the AFSPA, Irom Sharmila’s struggle, why he doesn't care for the anti-corruption movement and more.

How and when did Imphal Talkies n the Howlers take shape?
I composed several songs while doing my masters when I didn’t have any money to record my songs.When I started my PhD I got my scholarship money, which I decided to use for my music. I went back to Imphal and met an old friend there. Together, we formed a band that included my sister and we recorded an album. Back in Delhi I play at protest events alone and perform at various protest gatherings.

Irom Sharmila has been fasting for over 11 years to demand the same issue? What is your opinion about her fight?
We have never met her. But I would love to meet her. Last November we recorded a song for her. We wanted to perform in front of her, but we were not allowed to get inside the hospital where she’s admitted.

What do you have to say about the anti-corruption stir? Do you plan to perform at any such protest?
My music deals with human lives. I can only think about such issues once I have a secured life. I consider myself a victim of this country. Every single day, people in Manipur live their lives in the fear of being shot any moment. When they step out of their homes, they don’t know if they will ever return alive! I want to be free from the thoughts of bullets, bombs, threats, from the army. Only when I lead a safe life can I think about other issues concerning the country.

So I don’t care much about the anti-corruption movement!