Manipur Crisis: AFSPA is No Solution, Says Irom Sharmila

KOLKATA: Irom Sharmila, the renowned rights activist known as the 'Iron Lady of Manipur,' has criticized the recent extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, calling it an "oppressive law" that doesn't address the state's conflict.

In a telephonic interview with a news agency on Thursday, Sharmila criticized the BJP-led central government's approach, urging them to respect the diversity of the region rather than pushing for uniformity through proposals like the Uniform Civil Code.

The extension of AFSPA in Manipur, which occurred on Wednesday, added another six months to the enforcement of the law. However, it excludes 19 police station areas in the Imphal valley and a region sharing its boundary with Assam.

"The extension of AFSPA is not a solution to the problems or ethnic violence in the state. The Centre and the Manipur government have to respect the diversity of the region," she said.

"The values, principles, and practices of different ethnic groups must be respected. India is known for its diversity. But the central government and the BJP are more interested in creating uniformity through proposals like the Uniform Civil Code," she added.

Sharmila stressed that extending AFSPA does not address the problems or ethnic violence in Manipur. She called upon both the central government and the Manipur state government to respect the diverse values, principles, and practices of different ethnic groups in the region. Sharmila pointed out that India is known for its diversity, but the central government and the BJP seem more inclined towards uniformity, as evident in proposals like the Uniform Civil Code.

Sharmila also questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited Manipur since the outbreak of violence in May. She emphasized that PM Modi, as the leader of the country, could have played a pivotal role in resolving the issues through compassion, love, and a humane approach. However, she expressed concerns that the BJP might not be genuinely interested in resolving the problem and prefers to let it persist.

"PM Modi is the leader of the country. If he had visited the state and spoken to the people, the problems would have been resolved by now. The solution to this violence lies in compassion, love and humane touch. But it seems the BJP is not keen on resolving the issue and wants this problem to linger," she claimed.

The rights activist criticized Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, blaming the state government's wrong policies for exacerbating the crisis. Sharmila noted that the youth in the state have borne the brunt of the ethnic violence, and the deaths of a young man and woman, which triggered widespread protests, deeply moved her.

Sharmila also highlighted the challenges faced by women in Manipur, particularly in light of AFSPA and the ongoing ethnic violence. She emphasized that discussions about women's empowerment and the women's reservation bill would be futile if the dignity of women cannot be protected. Sharmila questioned whether the women of Manipur are any different from those in mainland India and stressed that differences in appearance should not justify differential treatment.

Having led a 16-year-long hunger strike demanding the repeal of AFSPA, Sharmila pondered how long the law would continue to be used to address issues in the Northeast. She argued that India, as a democratic country, should not perpetuate this colonial-era law indefinitely. Sharmila expressed concern about the wastage of crores of rupees in the name of fighting insurgency and called for utilizing these resources for the overall development of the Northeast.

Furthermore, she questioned the suspension of the internet for months and the denial of basic rights under AFSPA. Sharmila asked whether AFSPA could be imposed in Mumbai or Delhi if there were law and order problems in those cities.

Sharmila began her hunger strike against AFSPA in 2000 after ten civilians were allegedly killed by security forces at a bus stop in Malom near Imphal. Her non-violent resistance continued for 16 years before she ended it in 2016. Sharmila, now 51 years old, married in 2017 and is the mother of twin girls. She currently resides in Bengaluru

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