Hunger Strike In India That Needs World`s Attention
Source: kanglaonline
by Nehginpao Kipgen
It is uncommon here in the United States to see a peaceful demonstration, in the form of hunger strike that is spearheaded by women activists for a genuine cause they firmly believe in.
It is uncommon here in the United States to see a peaceful demonstration, in the form of hunger strike that is spearheaded by women activists for a genuine cause they firmly believe in.
The news may sound somewhat unconvincing, but it is happening in
the state of Manipur in Northeast India. It may be difficult to find
someone who does not know India, even if he or she is unsure of its
precise geographical location in the world map. India boasts for its
diversity and being the world’s largest democracy, with a population of
over 1.21 billion people.
India is a nation originally formed by
princely states and territories. It is also a country which fought
several decades to gain independence from the British in 1947. Mohandas
Karamchand Gandhi (popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi) was a pioneering
leader who stood up against the British forces with an effective
political weapon called ahimsa (meaning non-violence).
It was
Gandhi’s use of non-violent strategy that has left indelible imprints
in the hearts and minds of many Indians. If so, why has similar
non-violent agitation seemingly become unimportant, if not irrelevant,
in the state of Manipur?
In a genuine demand for the upgradation
of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council into a full-fledged
district, more than 40 women belonging to the Kuki community, began
their fast unto death on August 16. To further protest the government’s
inaction, the people of Sadar Hills observed India’s Independence Day
(August 15) in mourning by wearing black dresses.
On August 28,
three hunger strikers were arrested by the state police on charges of
attempting to commit suicide, after they refused medical aid. Earlier
on August 20, seven hunger strikers were hospitalized because of
deteriorating health condition.
As part of their agitation,
elected representatives of Sadar Hills have met both the state and
central governments. While the central government has advised the state
government to look into the agitators’ demand, the state government
fails to implement it thus far.
The agitation was initially
planned for a seven-day strike starting July 31, but it escalated to an
indefinite strike with the death of three women on August 2. They were
mowed down by a tanker, whose driver lost control.
Unfortunately,
this extreme form of peaceful agitation (i.e. hunger strike) has thus
far failed to capture headlines in the Indian mainstream media, not to
mention the international media. It has also failed to draw the
attention of leading international human rights organizations, such as
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
Given the
seriousness of the situation, the dearth of publicity is surprising.
Whether the Indian general public approves or disapproves of the demand
is up to the readers concerned. However, leading newspapers and
magazines should cover agitations such as this which involve life and
death of ordinary citizens.
Sadar Hills’ demand is not something
new. It has been mandated by the Indian Parliament Act in 1971. Of the
six autonomous hill districts constituted in 1972, only Sadar Hills
remains to be officially accorded a full-fledged district status.
Among
others, the Indian president, prime minister, home minister and the
opposition leader have been officially apprised of the renewed demand,
which successive Manipur governments had given verbal assurances but
failed to implement them. However, giving a mere advice to the state
government without any concrete action is inadequate.
An
indifference to such burning issue can generate criticisms and
apprehensions from around the world. More importantly, Manmohan
Singh-led Indian National Congress government should pay close
attention to the non-violent agitation, which Gandhi and other Indian
freedom fighters used against the British.
The government has
responsibility to protect the lives of all its citizens, regardless of
ethnicity, race, religion, and location.
Since the ongoing Sadar
Hills agitation primarily falls under the state’s domain, Manipur Chief
Minister Okram Ibobi Singh should explore all possible means to end
over a month-long political crisis at the earliest possible.
Meanwhile,
the people of ethnically-sensitive Manipur should abstain from dragging
the issue of ethnicity in this political game. Administrative
convenience being the reason for Sadar Hills demand, it must not be
viewed otherwise.
Moreover, the people of Manipur need to learn
the beauty of diversity, while respecting the rights of every citizen.
To achieve this goal, the gap (in terms of per capita income) between
the hills and the valley people should be bridged. Unless there is
equality of distribution, people will be hesitant to share equal
responsibility.
Human rights organizations such as National Human
Rights Commission of India and National Commission for Minorities
should assess the condition of the hunger strikers and extend any
possible help. Human rights campaigners around the world should speak
up for these voiceless peaceful hunger strikers.
The
international community must ensure that the lives of peaceful hunger
strikers in India are not jeopardized for a legitimate political
demand, and their fundamental rights should be protected. In this
regard, pressure must be put on both the Indian and Manipur governments
to take necessary steps.
The author is a political analyst and general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum.
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