Rights activist Irom Sharmila has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his lack of direct involvement in resolving the ongoing crisis in Manipur. She emphasized that Modi’s intervention is essential to restore peace in the violence-hit state, warning that the reimposition of the “draconian” Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas could escalate unrest further.
Sharmila urged Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to take moral responsibility for the turmoil and resign. “The chief minister has failed to restore peace since the violence began in May 2023. The BJP must demand his resignation for the sake of the people,” she said.
The activist also called on the Centre to hold a referendum to understand the aspirations of Manipur’s communities. “The government must first listen to what the people of Manipur want before taking corrective steps,” she added.
Sharmila, known as the ‘Iron Lady of Manipur,’ expressed her disappointment over Modi’s prolonged silence. “Eighteen months into the crisis, the Prime Minister has yet to visit the state. His direct intervention is crucial to resolving this issue,” she remarked.
Criticizing the reimposition of AFSPA, Sharmila described it as a colonial-era law that has failed to curb violence in the northeast. “AFSPA has brought nothing but suffering to the people of Manipur. Its reimposition will only aggravate the situation further,” she said, reiterating her long-standing opposition to the Act.
She accused the government of double standards in its approach to law and order, questioning whether similar measures like AFSPA or prolonged internet shutdowns would ever be implemented in states like Maharashtra or Uttar Pradesh during crises. “India is a democracy, and draconian measures from the colonial era have no place in modern governance,” she asserted.
Reflecting on the escalating violence, which has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands since last year, Sharmila urged both the state and central governments to address the fears and aspirations of Manipur’s diverse ethnic groups with compassion. She called for inclusive governance that respects the region’s unique culture and identity, stressing that unity can only be achieved through understanding and empathy.
Sharmila, who led a 16-year hunger strike against AFSPA, remains an enduring symbol of resistance in Manipur. Although settled in South India with her family, she continues to champion the state’s cause, calling for immediate and decisive action to end the ongoing violence.
