That which distinguishes a volatile Jammu&Kashmir from a volatile North-East is only one thing. J&K ever since its formation in 1947, more than six decades have elapsed since then continues to be a bone of contention between two traditional rivals - India and Pakistan. India's entire North-East, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, except a comparatively calm Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland though volatile and on the boil like a volcano awaiting to erupt at any moment spewing out ashes and red-hot lava flowing otherwise all these States sit on a ticking time-bomb waiting to get exploded, no neighbouring country raised claims for the occupation of North-Eastern States.
The distinguishing feature already pointed out but the similarity both Kashmir and the North-East bear is the slapping of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) to prevent these States from opting for freedom or a secession from India. The entire North-East demands autonomy, they must have their own reasons and the Govt of India remains adamant and assertive over the demands. With the demands gettng persistent certain groups parted with non-violent methods, instead formed militant groups across North-East like ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam), NDFB (National Democratic Front of Bodoland), NSU(I-M) of Nagaland. Whenever the demands are raised and whenever the militant groups engage in subversive activities, Central govt raises to the ocassion and invite the leaders of those groups for discussions. Besides extending the olive branch of negotiations in a cordial atmosphere with the Armed Forces already given a signed blank cheque to storm the regions and let loose a reign of terror and innocents are caught, tortured and done away with. The criminals always find escape routes and remain elusive getting ready for next strike more violent than the previous one. The militants and Armed forces always thrive in annihilating the inncoent citizens and please note it is the order of th day, everywhere, be it in India or abroad. The festering wounds continue to fester and the problems remain unresolved without a solution in sight.
Today November 4, Irom Chanu Sharmilla's fast-unto-death demanding the repeal of AFSPA enters the tenth year. The Manipuri lady went on a fast in 2000, now that ten years are gone, except for deteriorating health nothing positive has emerged. She is equally persistent, determined, courageous and goes on with her one-woman mission. The govt fearing the consequences upon her death is force feeding her through the nostrils. Albeit thise forceful nasal feeding the medical community warns of her deteriorating vital organ functions day by day.
The incident which led her to take the fateful decision was the ruthless gunning down of a group of people, ten of them women dying instantly.
The shocking incident was something which was unendurable for all the citizens of Manipur including Irom Chanu Sharmila. The Army was ruling the roost, terorising and torturing the citizens and the game stil goes with no respite in sight. The Central as well as State govts care too hoots and the demands and appeals of Human Rights organisations across India have fallen on deaf ears. The truth that the more intense the ruthlessness goes, the more intense the response wherever the former is let loose.
Adding fuel to the fire the Army caught a lady, Thangam Manorama, tortured and raped mercilessly and murdered in the year 2004. The whole Manipur went on the boil upon the issue especially the Manipuri women. And their protest manifested in the form of the ladies after disrobing went on a brave march to the Army headquarters braving all eventualities demanding the withdawal of AFSPA.
Why can't our Govt ponder on the lines of repealing such a draconian act and withdraw the Armed forces from the scene is embarassing.
The Jeevan Reddy Commission instituted by none other than Prime Minister Dr.ManMohan Singh after investigations had submitted the report before him on October 9, 2006 which had recommended immediate repeal of the draconian act and the file must be gathering dust in any of the cabins of PMO. So what?, might be his response.
As a reader of a national daily, sarcastically noted, except for rotating the Charka on Gandhi Jayanti and Gandhi Samadhi days, our so-called leaders who swear by that Great man never pay heed to his wiser counsels of Non-violence, Tolerance and Truth? To keep a nation a cohesive entity slapping draconian acts seems quite absurd and meaningless. Pity, we feel elated always when we proclaim before the world from the top of the mountain that India is the largest democracy in the world.
We should feel ashamed of ourselves while a common lady languishing in and out of the jail for the last 10 years is on a fast-unto-death for a cause, a great cause with none with responsibility taking care.
On the 10th Anniversary of Irom Chanu Sharmilla's fast-unto-death, let's pray for her life and all good wishes for an early positive result from the part of the Government.
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