Why Irom Sharmila is one of the greatest fighters ever born

Sourav Raina *

Irom Sharmila flown to Delhi on March 03 2013 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

Welcome to the world's largest democracy, India!

Here is a woman fasting for past fifteen years and nobody really cares. Yes, you heard it right, 15 YEARS.

It is her consciousness, her allegiance that made her the 'Iron Lady of Manipur'.

Irom Sharmila is like droplets of water trickling into a solid rock. With her silent, resilient and persistent efforts, the frail woman had made a dent, and a solid one at that. This poetess with frail structure and adamant devotion had turned into one of the greatest women ever been on this planet.

What made Irom Sharmila Chanu both a legend and victim of the Republic of India occurred in November 02, 2000, when armed forces of the nation killed 10 innocent civilians who were awaiting a bus in Malon, Manipur. The killings included an 18 years old National Bravery Award winner.

In the ruthless world where people are thirsty of their own's blood, broken-hearted Irom Sharmila continuously fasting since that day to force the government to repeal AFSPA. Sensing trouble and the rise of a woman in this man dominated society, government charged her with 'attempted suicide' and ensured to keep her between judiciary and jail.

She is forcibly fed with calculated amount of food doses to keep her alive, which is an obligation for government to avoid any perceived conflict. No 'predecessor & successor' in central government, no so-called human rights activists, no civil rights organisation ever stood for her. Except a few people writing to her to extend support.

When I met an accident and broke my jaws, it was the time when I couldn't eat anything. I wrote her to enquire what made her to stay without food for so long. Her answer was as inspirational as she is, her virtue of being a legend exists in her eternal faith. If Mahatma Gandhi would have been alive today, he must have adored her with all his devotion.

With almost no media coverage and support from the 'owners' of this country, her struggle against the draconian law AFSPA is like a pigeon fighting against the flock of vultures, but her optimism is indestructible. There is no one I know who has suffered so much for an absolutely selfless cause.

A lower-middle class girl of Manipur may become 'Mengoubi' (a fair girl) or Iron Lady for us, but she never wanted to be this. She has a few aspirations for life, a loving boyfriend and a beautiful family. She wants to return back but after ensuring peace and love for her motherland.

May she succeed!