Wednesday, August 20, 2014

IROM SHARMILA - SAINTHOOD OR MARTYRDOM?

Cruelty to fellowmen by the military of her own country, backed by its lopsided policies in the guise of security of the nation, forced her to hunger strike, to push the central government to repeal the rule.  Did she ever think that it was going to be an eternal act? The indifference of the government and her resolve of not going back until something happens, have forced her to be at it, ever!

In the process, Irom Sharmila lost her real life. She became a poster girl of the media and a role model for all such NGOs and associations that take-up issues of suppression & cruelty of the State on its citizens. Huge newsprint reams and thousands of hours of media time were spent on her.  A normal women, she was forced to spurn the love of Desmond who wanted to marry her. She hasn’t eaten solid food for 14 years and the all the pleasures of living had become a mirage to her.

What is left for Irom Sharmila now? From a living crusader, she will have to move into sainthood but posthumously. Or if she loses her life in the middle, a martyrdom!

That perfectly fits Indian political system. All political parties are looking for martyrs. From MK Gandhi downwards, we have plenty of them. But from time to time, these parties, in order to rejig its importance, need fresh martyrs. The Sharmilas of the world come handy for them.

Whose life is it anyway?

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