H. RAMAKRISHNAN
MANIPURIN IRUMBU PENMANI: Translated by J. Ramki; Kizhakku Pathippagam, 33/15, Eldams Road, Alwarpet, Chennai-600018. Rs. 110.
MAHATMA GANDHI used fasting as a weapon against the British colonial rule. Irom Sharmila, a young Manipuri woman, has been on an indefinite fast since November 2000 to protest the killing of innocent people by security forces, which are meant to protect them, and the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Arrested and released innumerable times since then, she has spent most of the years in prison.
In a telling demonstration of her determination, Sharmila says, “When life comes to its end, you please transport my lifeless body, place it on the soil of Father Koubru to reduce my dead body to cinders amidst the flames…Let it transform into ore in the mine. I'll spread the fragrance of peace…”
This book is a translation of Deepti Priya Mehrotra's book in English. It carries documents related to the ‘war' Manipur's iron lady has been waging against the might of state as also the minute details of information the author had collected through conversations with Sharmila and members of her family.
The narrative reflects the contemporary socio-political scene in Manipur and the people's longing for freedom from violence as well as their desire to be a part of the decision-making process. Ramki's translation is forceful.