Irom is Tough Enough
by Valli Peddada
Author Details: My name is Valli, from Grade 10A. My interests include: writing, listening to music, and drawing & painting. I’m a huge nature & animal lover and an avid reader.
As the honey touched her lips, a mulish remonstration came to an end and the golden thought of leadership came to life. On Tuesday morning, 8th August 2016, Manipur’s martyr Irom Sharmila Chanu ended her 16 year old fast against the Armed Forces Act(AFSPA). After
16 years of sheer disobedience, the world’s largest longest hunger striker has finally hung up her boots, only to wear the red saree and big bindi of a typical Indian
politician. On July 26th, Sharmila announced that she will make her much awaited transition from social activism to the underworld of Indian politics.
The age – old Gandhian principle of non – violence, ‘Ahimsa’, was infallible followed by Sharmila, but there comes a time when everyone realizes loudspeakers and lathicharges are the only action the Government takes in India. Despite her perserverence, the Indian Governemnt never repealed the AFSPA, while she waited on the lifeline for 16 years. This comes as no surprise; as we all know, our politicians sit idle until the axe descends on their very own necks. India is a democracy; and what better self – governance then Sharmila taking up the throne?
In addition to this, Irom Sharmila has always been one of the beacons of light and hope for women all across India. Seeing a very prominent social figure tackle the dynamics of politics will motivate many other women aspirants in the country to come forth, out of the crass sexist mentality our society is still grappling with. Irom Sharmila is not just a social activist ; she is the epitome of the Indian people.
On the other hand, the people’s epitome may not be strong enough to withhold the hypnosis of politics. Can Irom Sharmila, fueled purely by public faith, really stand against Congress’ deceptive promises and BJP’s foolishly lulling futuristic ideas? Politics is propelled by money and muscle power, not faith and trust in righteousness. We have seen so many political dreams turn sour; this will be no different.
Moreover, if Irom Sharmia contests for Chief Minister like she hopes to, can votes be guaranteed? Indian voters are not units of democracy, they are bonded labourers of the rupee. Not even 24 hours after Sharmila rested her fast, the ‘Save Sharmila Group’ began distancing itself from Sharmila. All national and international reporters left from Imphal, leaving Sharmila to fend for herself. The road to power is long and tiring; we can only wonder how many more will leave along the way.
Nevertheless, Irom Sharmila is a beacon of hope we cannot afford to lose. We are certainly nt in a position to discourage anyone willing to stand up for us. 16 years of hunger have only fed the seething anger, the voracious fire inside her. Her hunger might have died, but her thirst for vengeance is still very much alive. That thirst for justice, for the repeal of the armed forces, for the people of Manipal, and essentially, the relief of the entire nation. Sharmila’s followers will eventually open their eyes to the goodness in this, and will fight all the demons politics releases. And if heartfelt words can’t get voters….well there’s always money, which is the real politics.
All in all, Irom Sharmila Chanu entering politics is for the best possible decision, despite the current public opinion. The road to power is a warpath, and Irom Sharmila needs the same support and trust she had for the past 16 years in order to survive on the bloody battlefield. As for now, it looks like honey will be the only sweetness Irom Sharmila will be tasting for a long time.