The Hunger Strikers in the Sadar Hills Movement: 15th August 2011, the glorious day of Independence of India, was, but the solemn day and moment of sentiment for the people of Sadar Hills for they believe that without justice; political autonomy, administrative power and economic development, the fruit of India’s freedom is meaningless. On this auspicious India’s Independence Day thousands of people of Sadar Hills attired in black dresses carried out a sit-in-protest and shouted slogans “We demand Sadar Hills Districthood” in unison and staged demonstrations, mass prayers and hunger strikes in different parts of Sadar Hills. Around 20 people declared their commitment with the staunch stance to Fast-unto-Death until justice to Sadar Hills which was unprecedented in the history of Manipur. On August 20, 2011 seven SHDDC women who had been fasting unto death at Kangpokpi were arrested by the Police and were hospitalized at the Community Health Centre Kangpokpi due to their deteriorating health conditions. Another two more hunger strikers were hospitalized at Community Health Centre Kangpokpi on 25th August 2011. Similarly, six of the eight women who staged a fast unto death at Saparmeina were admitted at PHC Saparmeina owing to their worsening health on 27th August 2011. One more hunger striker of Kangpokpi centre was admitted at Community Health Centre Kangpokpi. On 8th September 2011, due to the deteriorating health condition of Mr Otmang Kipgen, who had been fasting unto death at Saikul bazaar, was arrested by State forces and sent to Sajiwa Jail. Later he was hospitalized at JN Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal for further treatment. What is astonishing and emotional as well was to see the hunger strikers who boldly say “If our agitation is unconstitutional, what about 40 year’s denial of our genuine demand?” “If our demand is GENUINE, why DELAY?” In an interview with The Chinland Guardian, Pu Nehginpao Kipgen, General Secretary of a renowned US based Kuki International Forum lamented that......Human Rights Organisation such as National Human Rights Commission 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 State and central Government to take urgent steps. Leading international human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International should use their influence to help the peaceful hunger strikers. The hunger strike by 22 odd persons, mostly women over a public issue or movement such as the demand for justice to Sadar Hills is a rare phenomenon. But the Government has chosen to ignore such forms of democratic agitation and sadly the public at large too, could not extend the support the hunger strikers deserve. The fast undertaken by individual social activists like Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev over an issue has shaken the whole country, but the case of a hunger strike by 22 (Twenty two) people in pursuit of the demand for justice to Sadar Hills, unfortunately could not evoke the public support it ought to get.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 16:02:07 +0000
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