Date:04/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/04/stories/2009110455640700.htm

New Delhi

Irom Sharmila’s fast-unto-death enters 10th year

Iboyaima Laithangbam

Noted writer Mahasweta Devi says 21 century should be “the century of Sharmila”

IMPHAL: The first Maliyama Foundation Award will be given to Irom Sharmila for her crusade against human rights violations and for repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

This was formally announced by renowned writer Mahesweta Devi during the ‘Festival of Hope, Justice and Peace,’ held in Imphal on Monday on the occasion of her fast-unto-death entering the tenth year.

Ms. Sharmila, who is in prison on the charge of ‘attempted suicide’, could not attend the function.

“Without parallel”

Ms. Mahasweta Devi said Ms. Sharmila’s crusade and her dedication were without parallel in the world.

The 1996’s Jnanpith awardee said the 21st century should be ‘the century of Sharmila.’

She started her fast one the very next day of the massacre of ten innocent bystanders on November 2, 2000 allegedly by Assam Rifles personnel, following their escape from an IED explosion at Mallom near the Imphal airport. Protesting this carnage, which was one the increasing instances of mowing down of bystanders in Manipur, Ms. Irom Sharmila launched a fast-unto-death demanding the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Protection Act (AFSPA) from Manipur.

The Act under which Ms. Sharmila is detained permits the authority to detain her for one year. Releasing her every year and re-arresting her within days has become routine for the authorities.

In support of her campaign women from all over the State have been undertaking token hunger strike for the last 340 days. The token hunger strikes continue across the State. There have been appeals from around the country and the world, including the Prime Minister and many Chief Ministers, to break the fast but Ms. Sharmila has not relented.

Iranian activist and Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi visited Ms. Sharmila in 2006 and expressed her support for the campaign against AFSPA.

The ‘Festival of Hope, Justice and Peace’ has started while Ms. Sharmila’s health is deteriorating.

Book on Sharmila

A book entitled “Burning Bright” written by Deepti Priya based on Ms. Sharmila’s crusade was released.

The festival will be concluded on Friday.