'Oppressive Law': Activist Irom Sharmila Says AFSPA Is No Solution To Manipur Crisis

Irom Sharmila said that the BJP-led government at the Centre should accept variety rather than strive for uniformity through initiatives such as the Uniform Civil Code.

Activist Irom Sharmila.

Source : PTI

A day after AFSPA was extended throughout much of Manipur, human rights campaigner Irom Sharmila declared that the "oppressive law" was not a solution to the state's problem, news agency PTI reported. Sharmila, dubbed as the "Iron Lady of Manipur," informed PTI over the phone on Thursday that the BJP-led government at the Centre should accept variety rather than strive for uniformity through initiatives such as the Uniform Civil Code.

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, was extended in Manipur for another six months on Wednesday, with the exception of 19 police station areas in the Imphal valley and a region that shares its border with neighbouring 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 was quoted by PTI in its report. 

"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 questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited Manipur since the unrest began in May.

"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.

Slamming Chief Minister N Biren Singh, she stated: "Wrong policies of the state government have pushed Manipur towards this unprecedented crisis."

Claiming that the state's young people have suffered the most as a result of ethnic violence, Sharmila stated the murders of a young man and lady, which sparked huge demonstrations, brought tears to her eyes.

She also chastised the Centre for failing to address the plight of women in the Northeastern state.

"Women of Manipur have been facing the brunt of AFSPA and this ethnic violence. The talks of women's empowerment, and the women's reservation bill would serve no purpose if you can't protect the dignity of the women. Are the women of Manipur any different from those of mainland India? Just because we look different doesn't mean we can be treated like this," she said.