Imphal-ek pal hasi ek pal aasu

Kondaveeti satyavati

It was decided during the 6th Women Journalists’ Conference, Pune in 2008 that the

next conference would be held in Imphal. Since then I was eager to attend the
conference at any cost as I was always very curious to know about north eastern
states of India. That is because we seldom get to know about that part of our
country. I have not attended the Pune conference as I was in an exposure visit of
Bhumika Helpline in Jaipur. I have been saving money since that time, as I heard
that travel would be very expensive and the participants have to bear their travel
expenses. Since Manipur is quite far for us travel cost is around Rs 20,000.

In 2003 Delhi conference women journalists, from different states across the
country have decided to build a website and also to meet every year. I attended the
first meeting. We discussed the difficulties faced by women in media and various
other issues in this three day conference.

Three months back all the network members received a very nice and poetic
invitation from Anjulika who has taken up the responsibility of organizing the
conference in Manipur. “Imphal Calling” the email sent by Anjulika has made us all
very excited. Since then we have started planning our travel arrangements. But
there are so many doubts. We know very little about Manipur or north eastern India
for that matter because we hear or receive almost no news or information in the
media from that part of the country.

First of all how do we go? There is no railway line to Imphal. If we take a flight
where do we go Kolkata or Guwahati? Are there any buses available from there?
How many hours journey from there? Even though I have collected some
information from the internet, I was not fully satisfied. Some hinted that we can
forget about mobile phones and ATM centers. We might have to carry cash. My
emails with all the questions to Anjulika went unanswered.

Unaware of the situations in Manipur and Anjulika’s helplessness I even felt angry
sometimes, towards her silence. Later I received a mail from her saying that her
internet is not working properly and she would send a detailed mail soon with all the
information. Even before we were relieved another mail from Kalpana Sharma said
that Anjulika’s cousin brother was brutally murdered in Imphal and she was in great
sorrow. We all felt very sorry and sent our deepest condolences to her. Breaking all
our apprehensions on the organization of the conference we received a mail from
Anjulika with all the details. She has decided to go on with the conference despite
her grief.
As there was no clarity on how many people are going from Andhra Pradesh I
planned my trip alone. A lot of people cancelled their trip as the travel expenses are
too high. Only after reaching Imphal I was able to meet the others from Andhra.

I boarded the flight to Kolkata on the 4th of March 2009 at 8 a.m., reached there by
10 a.m. While waiting for the Imphal flight I met with the other groups from Mumbai,
Pune and Kolkata. We started at 12.30 p.m. in Indigo flight and by 1.45 p.m. we
reached Imphal. There I met ‘Manjari from Saakshi, G. Syaamala, Vasantha, Vanaja
Reddy from Vaartha, Sammera (Manjari’s daughter) from N T.V.’ the Andhra group
who took an earlier flight. I met around 25 journalists. While we were waiting for
Anjulika, Chitra welcomed us with her cheerful smile. All of us got into a vehicle and
went to a place called “Mantri- Pukri”. Our stay was arranged there in a Christian
Organization. While we were going from the airport to Mantri pukri, and observed
the shops and buildings, we never felt that we were in a State Capital. With all dusty
roads and surroundings it looked more like a small town. In between we were stuck
in a traffic jam for half an hour. Chitra explained that it was marriage season.
Ominous looking gunmen from army and Assam rifles were more visible than
regular civil citizens. Looking at us with boring eyes, finger on the trigger they sent
a cold shiver across our spine.

Raising a lot of dust our vehicle entered Mantri Pukri. Our retreat house was in half a
kilometer distance from the main road. Clearing waves of dust our vehicle went
alongside a small pond and stopped in front of the retreat house which looked like a
school. By then it was 3 p.m. Everybody carried their luggage to the second floor
where there were beds arranged in rows like in a boarding school. All in all there
were around 20 beds. Each of us took ownership of a bed, relieved ourselves of the
luggage and went around enquiring about lunch arrangements and found there
were none. All the food from bags like biscuits, sweets, chapattis etc came out. We
spent the afternoon sharing food and thoughts. There were only three bathrooms for
20 people. While we were joking about who should use the toilet when etc someone
came and told us that there were rooms allotted for us. Again we went with our
luggage towards the rooms. I shared a room with Kalpana Sharma.

Since all our mobiles went silent some of us ventured out to make calls from a
telephone booth. We did not realize at that time there was an unpleasant surprise
waiting for us. After venturing out we came to know that for the past one month
there was a curfew going on from 5p.m. to 5a.m. every day. We went at 4.30 p.m.;
we had only half an hour. There was only one S.T.D. booth. After making calls and
buying water bottles and refreshments we could not find a single hotel to get some
tea. We could hear the police whistle very close by. One lady looking at our plight
called us inside her house and gave some black tea to all of us. She said she did not
have any milk. After thanking the lady we started walking towards our retreat
house. It was pitch dark outside the retreat house. There was a power cut also in
place. No one knows about the timings of the power cut. The moonlight in darkness
with the mountains casting shadows was beautiful. It reminded me of the moonlit
evenings on full moon days in the village in my childhood.

We were lucky enough to have solar lamps in all our rooms. Dinner was at 8p.m. I
went and saw the lady who was cooking chicken on a traditional stove with wooden
fire. It was then I met Lily. She is the cook in the retreat house. Food is quite bland
without any salt or chilly. By 8.30 p.m. we were back in our rooms. From then we did
not know what to do. We chatted for a while. Even though all of us were tired we
were not yet ready to sleep. There were no T.V.s, no light to read any books also. It
was all dark and the police whistles were ringing in the background. We just hid
ourselves in the blankets and waited to fall asleep. My roommate Kalpana was badly
affected by a cold due to excessive dust. She suffered all that night.

I got up by 5a.m. the next day. The previous day, Chitra told us to get ready by
9a.m. I thought of going for a walk and got out wearing my shoes. It was cold
outside. There I met Manjari and Sameera. We started walking towards the
mountains. It was very peasant to walk in that cold breeze. The houses along the
path were small and made of bamboo. While we were walking Vasantha from our
group tried to take picture of a lady, who was cleaning in-front of her house. She
was tall, thin and wearing traditional Manipuri clothes. Her name is Soso. She
affectionately called us inside her house and gave small ‘Modas’ to sit. Four kids
came out, two girls and two boys. They were her children and her husband works as
an engineer in the pollution control board. The three room house with bamboo
partitions was neat and clean. The children looked enthusiastic with their bright and
eager smiles. She brought a small stove like container and kept it in the middle of
the room to keep us warm and went inside to bring us tea. We busied ourselves in
taking pictures of the children. Soso brought hot tea for us. Sipping hot tea in that
morning cold we chatted with Soso for some time. When we asked her about the
curfew she smiled saying that they got used to it. In the end we told her that we are
journalists and thanked her for her hospitality.

By 9a.m. all of us got into the bus and reached Imphal. By that time there were a
total of 60 journalists and a few are yet to join us. Chitra informed us that the first
day meeting was going to be held at a place called ‘Kangla’. By the time we
reached ‘Kangla’ it was 10 a.m. All of us gathered in the meeting hall. Manipur
women’s commission chair person inaugurated the meeting. On the same day
“Anupama Jayarajan” award was also given away. This award was given in memory
of Anupama, who died in a young age, by her parents. This year the award was
given to Alifia Khan, senior journalist, Hindustan Times, Mumbai.

After that Kendra Saahitya Academy award winner Ms. Arambam Menchubee gave a
lecture on ‘Manipuri women’s social conditions and life. I have a previous
acquaintance with Arambam. We all stayed together for five days in “Khashid”
(Mumbai) during a national level women writers’ conference organized by
“SPARROW”. She recognized me and spoke with me affectionately. When I enquired
her about another local Manipuri writer Borkanya, she promised to bring her the
next day. Later we had a chat with Manipuri working journalists. During that
discussion only we came to know about the historical ‘naked protest’ by Manipuri
women in detail. By the time it was 4.30 p.m. the curfew anxiety started. We all
boarded the bus in a rush. Still, by the time we moved the curfew has already
started. Amidst warnings from police and army personnel we reached our retreat
house a little scared.

Kangla Gate, Manorama Devi’s Murder:

On July 24th 2004 a Manipuri woman Manorama Devi was arrested by the Assam
Riffles people while she was sleeping in her house in the middle of the night. They
arrested her on the suspicion of her being a terrorist. Within a few hours she was
gang raped and her dead body was found on the road in a brutally battered state
with injuries all over her body.

This incident has seriously disturbed the local Manipuri women. 12 Manipuri women
in a public place in front of the Kangla gate staged a naked protest holding banners
quoting “INDIAN ARMY RAPE US”. This incident has stunned the nation and made
the rest of the country understand as to what is happening in Manipur. After the
death of Manorama, the whole of Manipur was ablaze. Even-though the govt. has
setup a commission of enquiry, its report has not come out yet. Kangla area that
used to be under the control of Assam Rifles and Army, after the Manipuri Women’s
naked protest and the agitations that followed, has been vacated and handed over
to civil authorities.

While we were travelling back to Mantri Pukri in the bus, we heard about the Kangla
gate incident. Thinking about Manorama we all felt very sad. The courageous act of
the 12 Manipuri women who had chosen the extreme step of protesting by being
naked in the public to express their grief towards the injustice done to their fellow
sister was extremely moving. Our bus reached the retreat house creating clouds of
dust. By that time itself it was quite dark. Because there is no power we could see
only a few sparks of dim light here and there over the mountains under the moonlit
sky. We remained outside for sometime humming tunes on moonlight as there was
nothing else to do. For quite some time we discussed the Kangla gate incident also.
After dinner we all gathered in one room and continued singing. Vasanthi who came
from Bangalore has beautifully sang, “Chaar dinonkaa”. Each of us in our different
languages started singing in high pitch when the retreat house Father Paul came
and asked us to switch off the lights and be silent as it was 9p.m. With some
difficulty I settled myself to sleep so early. I slept with disturbing dreams of Kangla
gate and naked women. That incident made a deep remark in my heart.

The next day morning all of us from Andhra decided to climb the hill in front of the
retreat house. Vanaja, Syaamala, Sammera, Vasantha, Anuradha, Vanaja Reddy and
I started climbing the mountain. We could not see anything from the foot hill but
while we were climbing we came across a house on the way. There was something
like a guest house also next to the house. When we reached the top, the family in
the house was doing their morning prayers. We stood there silently. Sometime later
a person approached us after finishing his prayers. We introduced ourselves. He
informed that his name is Anam and the name of the hill is Khadim hill. A person
named Khadim used to live on this hill and the guest house belongs to Khadim and
he is the watch man of that guest house. He also showed us the Tomb of Khadim’s
wife. His daughter served piping hot tea for all eight of us. After tea we went inside
the house. It is a small house. Anam, his wife and two daughters live there. They
rear cows and ducks. When we said good bye Anam responded saying “Aap log phir
aayiye” (please come again). We noticed that people of Manipur are quite
affectionate towards strangers also. I remember ‘Soso’ and ‘Anam’ families with
warm memories.

The next day meeting started at 9.30 a.m. Meeting started with the introductions of
the attending members of the network. Members of the Navodayam group who
reached Imphal only the previous day have introduced themselves and all the
network members welcomed them with loud applause. These rural women
belonging to self help groups from Chitoor, Andhra Pradesh are working as reporters
and editors and very efficiently and successfully running their own magazine
“Navodayam”. This magazine has been running for quite some years now. These
team members attend the network meetings every year.

After mutual introductions discussions were held on issues related to the network
and website. There was a heated debate on whether the network should be
registered or not. While some argued that it would be nice to register the network
the others felt that the network’s beauty lies with network being unregistered and
all the members are can be at the same level without any hierarchical differences.
But a fairly large percentage of members preferred registration. Kalpana Sharma
who was presiding the meeting ended the discussion by saying that there is no
need to be hasty and suggested that the network can decide after further
discussions on the matter in future.

Later on, three prominent persons gave lectures on present conditions in Manipur.
Mr. Babloo Laitong Chaam from an organization called ‘Human Rights Alert’ gave a
very interesting lecture. All the members listened to him in silence. He explained in
detail about the number of revolutionary under- ground groups with that are
operating now in Manipur. He also told us about the various ethnic groups in
Manipur like Nagas, Kukis, Maithreyis, Vaishnavites and Muslims.

By the time India achieved independence, Manipur was under monarchy. On August
14, 1947 that is a day before India got independence itself the Naga National
Council had announced its freedom from British rule. After independence some
ethnic groups in Manipur could not accept11 the forceful merger of Manipur into the
Indian government and chose to revolt against the Indian government. To suppress
these revolts both the state and central governments are enforcing cruel acts even
today. These agitations or revolts by the different ethnic groups are only considered
by both the governments as law and order problems only but not seen as agitations
for their self respect and identity. Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) was
created in 1958 and is still in force. Instead of resolving the problem this act has
only complicated the issue and is seriously affecting the modesty and lives of
Manipuri people. Mr. Babloo explained that many native groups are fighting against
the government and armed personnel from the Army and Assam Rifles are brutally
killing Manipuri people under the safe guise of AFSPA. Mr. Babloo later explained
about “Grouse Shatsang” Naga women’s movement by the women from ‘Naga
Women Union’.

Mr. Babloo’s lecture was followed by a lecture by Dr. S.Chonglai on the Kukis
movement for realization of their basic human rights. Kukis are the natives of this
region who ruled the “independent hill country” and in 1919 fought along with
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose against the British rule. Ms. Chonglai told us that
today these Kukis are leading a very pitiful life. These lectures went on very
interestingly, explaining the history and struggle of Manipur and present day
conditions. They also raised an enthusiastic and empathetic discussion amongst the
network members.

A documentary film on “Women widowed by conflict” by Ms. Anjulika was presented

after the lectures. The life conditions of the families that were direct victims of
unwarranted shootings/killings by the army, women who lost their husbands at a
very young age, left with four to five children each to take care, have narrated their
own stories and explained the background for these killings amidst tears and wails.
This documentary has really moved us a lot and left us with tears.

Amongst all these things the one situation that has moved our hearts and left a sad
and lasting impression was the heart rending account of Anjulika’s brother’s wife
about the brutal murder of her husband. The reason behind the ongoing curfew in
Manipur, Dinganam Kishen, a young official of Manipuri civil services was kidnapped
and brutally murdered by unidentified persons along with his driver and security
guard. Wearing white clothes and still in mourning Kishen’s wife came to the
network meeting to narrate the tragic incident. Listening to her and acknowledging
her strong will to come in front of us all we could not help but give in to tears. Even
today while I am writing this now her grief stricken face is still haunting me.

Post lunch Manipuri dance was arranged in the open. Three girls and three boys
danced so well and gave a fantastic performance. After watching the Marshall Arts
show Anjulika announced that we were going to “All Women Market”. She informed
us to go quickly and come back before the curfew starts. All of us hurriedly got into
the bus. In front of the Kangla gate the bus stopped at the crowded market place.
We broke into batches and disbursed into the market along with a Manipuri girl in
each batch. The market was totally crowded. Manipuri were sitting in rows under
sheltered sheds doing various businesses. All the businesses were run by women
only that too middle aged and old women. Clothes, artifacts, vegetables, fish and
several other things were on display for sale. Manipuri Handlooms and clothes were
more prominent. This market is called ‘Ima Bazaar’. Here one could see only men
who are buying but not selling.

All of us went in different directions. Many of us bought traditional Manipuri lungis

and shawls. It was all a very hurried affair with sellers calling trying to sell their
goods while some were arranging and rearranging or packing things. It was getting
closer to the curfew time. An old woman was selling a basket full of violet lotuses. I
and Manjari bought three bundles each. Some of us are hurrying others to get back
to the bus. But none of us wanted to leave the market so soon. We wanted to go
around the place a little longer and try and talk to at least some of the ladies who
are selling there. But the police whistles and the sight of armed men aiming at
people roaming in gypsies made us all tense. Market was also almost closed. We all
hurriedly ran to our bus. Everyone around us was also running and trying to get hold
of some kind of transport to safely get back to their homes. Every where else in the
country this is the time of the day business gets to its peek. It was sad to see these
women in Manipur closing their shops and go back home at a time when it should
be evening rush hour. What would be waiting for them even at home? Only dark
homes with power cut will be waiting for their return. May be the sound of Army’s
iron shoes is their entertainment. What else can we hear at that time of curfew?

Our bus quickly dropped us all at the retreat house. By that time it was 5.15 p.m.
When I tried to make calls at the market I could not find any S.T.D. booths there.
When I asked if anybody would like to join me to the main road Manjari said she will
and soon Syamala also joined us. We were hopeful that we could find an S.T.D.
booth. As there is no electricity the moonlight was bright and shining white. A
military Jeep approached us as we stood aside it went past us raising a lot of dust. A
few women were selling vegetables and fish under dim lamps. All the shops were
closed. We could not find water bottles to buy. The S.T.D. booth we used the
previous day was also closed. We needed to make some urgent calls. Feeling
desperate we asked a man standing next to us, in Hindi, about any other S.T.D.
booths that can be open at that time. He looked at us for a few seconds and figured
that we are outsiders and decided to help us. He lead us towards the main road, it
was dark and lonely. He stopped in front of a closed shop and tapped on the door.
Someone opened the door a little. There is a telephone. All three of us went inside
and the shopkeeper closed the door again. We made our calls and spoke for our
hearts fill. When we explained our friends in what kind of situation we are calling
them they also got a little nervous. My friend even scolded me for being so
adventurous in such dangerous conditions.

We paid the shop keeper and started back to the retreat house walking on the now
totally deserted roads. On our way back we could not help but feel sorry for the
people of Imphal especially the women who are face such hardships in their day
today life. Wondering till how long the curfew will continue and the people had to
bear such inconveniences we reached the retreat house.

Next day the meeting started at 9.30 a.m. We discussed about the network
activities and the venue for the next meeting. Kerala team came forward to
organize the next meeting. Then we discussed about the necessary resources
needed for the arrangements and how to procure them. Bangalore group had put
forward the hardships they were facing in organizing the Anupama Jayaraman
award for discussion. When we were all seriously lost in discussions on various
issues Anjulika suddenly made an announcement.

When she announced that Irham Sharmila is going to be released today and we are
all going to the hospital where she is imprisoned we were all over powered with a
sense of excitement and anxiety. When I asked Chitra on the day I arrived whether
we can see Sharmila she said it could be very difficult. I wrote an editorial “Manipuri
Vukku Mahila – Irham Sharmila” (Manipuri Iron Woman – Irham Sharmila) in Bhumika
women’s magazine a few years back. Her bravery and courage are very inspiring.
We were left with a feeling of awe to meet such a woman in person.

We hurriedly gobbled some thing for lunch and got into the bus. After half an hour’s
travel we reached the place where relay hunger strikes are being organized by
Manipuri women for the release of Sharmila. Till that day it was 88 days since they
started these hunger strikes. We all sat along with them.

Iron Woman of Manipur – Irham Sharmila:

Irham Sharmila used to work as social activist. She used to listen to the grievous
stories of people murdered or women raped in the hands of security personnel with
a compassionate ear. She used to take part in peace rallies. On 2nd November 2000
Assam rifles personnel killed ten civilians were shot dead in the bus stand of
Maaloam town in Manipur. Sharmila was very much moved by that incident. Assam
rifles had resorted to this heinous act as a retaliatory action against an attack on
army personnel by some revolutionary organization. Maaloam town is situated 15
kilometers away from Imphal. At the time this incident happened Sharmila was
visiting Maaloam to organize a peace rally. This incident has left a deep impact on
Sharmila. She cancelled the peace rally and decided to do something more
aggressive. She decided to go on hunger strike demanding the government to
revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 (AFSPA). When she conveyed her
decision to her mother she strongly opposed her decision and tried to persuade her
not to go ahead with her decision. When Sharmila persisted with her resolve her
mother imposed a most difficult condition saying that she would not see her
daughter until she emerged successful in her fight. Sharmila agreed and went
ahead with her decision. This hunger strike started on 11th November 2000 by
Sharmila is continuing till today that is since the past nine years.
Women from ‘Meira Paibi’ extended their support to Sharmila with ‘Sharmila Kan Ba
Lap’ (Save Sharmila Campaign). The Meira Paibi women from the Manipur valley
work from the lowest level as traditional women’s groups. Historically the ‘Meira
Paibi’ women have the history of fighting against the British regime. They also
agitate against alcoholism and drug addiction in the valley. It is a naked truth that
these are the women who are now fighting against the very strong armed forces for
human rights. These are the very women who are supporting Sharmila’s hunger
strike also.

When Sharmila was released in 2006 she went to Delhi along with her brother and
two other supporters and started her hunger strike sitting on the road in front of
‘Jantar-Mantar’. The police immediately arrested her and put her in ‘All India
Institute of Medical Sciences’. They broke her strike by forcefully sending liquid diet
through her nose. After that they took her to Imphal and imprisoned her in
‘Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital’. They release her every year and as she continues her
hunger strike they arrest her again and again and again under the pretext of
‘attempt to suicide’.

In 2009 when we were in Imphal they released her on March 7th. While we were
sitting with the Meira Paibi women in solidarity to Sharmila we were informed that
Sharmila was going to be released in 15 minutes. We all walked to the J.N. Hospital.
By then it was 3p.m. There were a lot of people from the media, women, and
members of Meira Paibi. We all stood in front of the high security ward where
Sharmila is held under arrest. Many people are seen going in and out of the high
security ward. In between police were also seen peeping out and closing the doors
again. Meira Paibi women who are above 70 years of age sat on the steps in front of
the security ward patiently awaiting Sharmila’s release. 78 years K.Taruni from
Meira Paibi spoke with a strong resolve saying that AFSPA should be banned. Save
Sharmila. If they do not ban AFSPA we shall not vote to anybody this time. We were
all surprised at her commitment at this age. Many such women gathered there that
evening. They were all undertaking relay hunger strikes for Sharmila’s release since
the past 88 days.

As we wait along tension is mounting amongst us. There was no place to sit. It was
difficult even to stand also. As the time is running away curfew scare started to
haunt us. It was 4.30 p.m. and our legs were hurting. Curfew was going to start in
another half hour’s time. Police were peeping in and out from the wards from time
to time. Each time someone appeared at the doors our eyes got stuck to the grills in
hopeful anticipation. It was close to 5p.m. and we started to lose hope that we may
not meet Sharmila after all. At this moment someone shouted loudly saying that
that day’s curfew was delayed till 7p.m. We all heaved a sigh of relief and stuck our
eyes back to the grills and waited for at-least a fleeting glimpse of Sharmila.

It was 5.30 p.m. The ward room opened and along with it the grill door also. In that
fading evening darkness Sharmila appeared at the door as a ray of light walking
slowly, very slowly. Her face was pale. We could see that she closed her eyes as she
could not bear the sudden burst media flash lights. As Sharmila walked out wearing
traditional Manipuri clothes with a pink shawl covered around her shoulders, some
of us from the standing crowd started clapping. Some women started crying aloud.
The women from Meira Paibi formed a human shield around her started to guide her
outside almost carrying her as a small fragile baby. Sharmila does not seem to be
able to stand or lift her head entirely on her own and yet with the help of those
women she came in front of the media. As I happen to stand almost next to her I
had an opportunity to observe her very closely. Seeing this 35 year old lady who has
been under hunger strike and under arrest since the last 9 years and fighting for
Manipuri people and for the repeal of AFSPA 1958, in such close proximity left be
breathless and my heart beat increased and I felt like bowing to her strong resolve,
courage, commitment and the will to sacrifice her life for a cause.

Even though she was very she did not get into any vehicle and started walking
towards the tent where the relay hunger strike is being organized which is about
500mts. away from the hospital. Along with her we, almost 70 women journalists
from different languages, too walked along with her. When we reached the tent they
have made arrangements for her to sit on a mattress. They put on socks to her feet.
She could not keep her neck stable or straight. Her body is shaking to and fro. As
the numerous media personnel requested again and again she cleared her throat to
speak. “I do not have enough words to express my thanks to all of you for waiting
for me all this while. Today you gave even more courage to continue my struggle. I
will continue my hunger strike till the government bans AFSPA in Manipur. I will
continue struggle with the support of ‘Imas’ (mothers).” Sharmila spoke slowly and
clearly. “While the rest of the world is celebrating women’s day, here in Manipur
with its fertile land, vast resources, where the breeze is cool and people are friendly
and welcome even strangers with affection, the world is ignorant and unaware of
the woes of Manipuri women and suppression they are facing.” When Sharmila said
this everyone present there had tears in their eyes. “To keep my promise to my
mother I have spent all these years without seeing her. Even when she was severely
sick I was afraid to see her as she might ask me why I have come to her without
keeping my promise. So I roamed in front of the hospital ward where she was
admitted for a long time.” After listening to this none of us made any attempt to
hold back our tears.

Slowly the darkness is growing thicker. Sharmila has decided to spend that night in
the tent only. As the time for the curfew is nearing we also started to go. At that
time Anjulika went close to Sharmila and told her that a number of women
journalists came to see her and that were all in that tent. Immediately Sharmila
spoke with us saying “I am very happy to see you all here. I hope that you all will
tell in all corners of the nation about what is happening to Manipuri women.” When
Sharmila offered her condolences to Anjulika for her brother’s death she was
overpowered with immense grief.
We came out of the tent and got into the bus. We were all very silent. Curfew was
about to begin in a short while. Bus reached our destination and stopped at the
retreat house. As usual it was dark and moon light is pouring in that darkness. I did
not feel like going to my room. Instead I walked towards the kitchen. I felt like
talking to Lilly. “Lilly we are leaving tomorrow.” I told her. She asked me to visit her
again. When I asked her how much she gets paid for her work she said she earns
Rs.1200 and two meals everyday. She has 9 younger sisters and her father has
expired. Her mother also works as a cook. I asked her do they follow family planning
and she shyly replied in the negative. Even Soso also said the same thing. She said
women have to go on giving birth to children, there is no family planning. Soso looks
like child herself but she is a mother of four children. I told goodbye to Lilly and
returned back to my room after dinner.

On the 8th morning we went t o Soso’s house, once again had nice warm tea and
said goodbye to her and her family. We had to reach the airport by 10 a.m. I packed
everything and took my leave with everyone. I sat alone in my room lost in thought
and all my experiences in this trip started coming back to me one by one. Dust
coated city dwelling in darkness, reeling in the curfew scare is Imphal, the capital
city of Manipur. Babloo told that in the recent times one is hearing the name of
development and hundreds of people are displaced as part of airport widening
project. He satirically added that he had heard that Hyderabad is very developed. I
remembered the hundreds of villages, flower gardens, fruit plantations that
disappeared because of the Shamshabad international airport. I thought of the
plight of the people of these villages who are now scattered here and there. We told
him about the SEZs in Andhra Pradesh that are created in the name of development
and the conditions of the villagers who lost their livelihoods.

In the four days I spent in Imphal I had many experiences. We saw the hardships
faced by the people and difficult circumstances faced by women. Wherever you see
you find women working in some way or the other, thousands of women doing
business in the Ima market, women hurriedly closing shops and running back home
in crowded vehicles during curfew time. Above all these army men from Assam
Rifles with guns aimed roaming in gypsies on the streets like blood hounds ready to
kill. You find armed people everywhere. For a total population of 23 lakhs, a total of
53000 armed men deployed only in Imphal itself speak volumes about how scary
the situation is in Manipur. Anytime anybody can be arrested, killed or kidnapped.
There is no end on the number of cases on sexual abuse or rape on women. With
the cruel rights given to the army through AFSPA 1958 they can shoot or kill
anybody, burn entire villages. All this they can do with a mere suspicion. At least 2
murders take place every day with the pretext of the presence of “U.Gs”. Women
widowed at a young age, women left as orphans with five six children, jobless youth
ending up as drug addicts, confronted with hopelessness and disillusionment young
men joining revolutionary organizations Manipur is burning like a volcano since the
last 60 years. Manipur that has 40 ethnic communities also has 38 revolutionary
 groups. These groups not only revolt against the government but also fight amongst
themselves.

In the words of ‘Grouse Shat sang’ Naga Women’s Union president, traditionally
Manipuri women are peace lovers. Manipuri women are working hard for the
establishment of peace but they are facing severe discrimination. They do not have
any rights and they do not have any decision making powers either. Being raped in
the hands of army, deaths of husbands in gunfire, heavy burden of saving the family
all these harsh realities stare at Manipuri women at a very young age. The Manipuri
women have to face threats from two sides. On one side they have to save
themselves from the sexual assaults from army while on the other hand they also
have to forcefully fulfill the needs of revolutionary groups. They are really
sandwiched between the army and the revolutionary groups in Manipur. Sharmila is
fighting for the sake of the entire people of Manipur. With the extremely courageous
act of ‘naked protest’ by the ‘Meira Paibi’ women, the intensity of the cruelty faced
by the Manipuri women was felt across the whole nation.

Even with the strong and stringent act like AFSPA the Manipuri government is not
able to save the Manipuri people. Everyday at least 4 to 5 persons are killed in
gunfire either by the army or by the rebel revolutionary groups. When we were in
Imphal a 13 year old boy was killed in gunfire. The chances for the establishment of
peace in Manipur are very bleak in the near future. It seems the ban on AFSPA and
withdrawal of Sharmila’s hunger strike can be a reality only in dreams. Despite
living in such adverse conditions and under constant fear one cannot help but be
surprised to see the pleasantly smiling faces of Manipuri women. On remembering
the lovely and cheerful smiles of Chitra, Anjulika, Soso, Lilly, Arambham I told Chitra
that ‘the magic of Manipur is your smile’. When I asked them how they could
manage to smile so heartily I could only get more smiles in reply.

1. # Jagadeesh Reddyon 23 Apr 2009 at 5:46 am

అరంధత గరంచ ఒక కొొొ ్

ొతొ ొ
ోకతొ ొ
ో ణంలొ చపపర. ప
రజలల మడ నమమకలన, అంధ వశవసలన ఈ సనమ
పంచ పషస
తంద అనడంల ఎటవంట అతశయక లొ ుొదొ . అంత భయపడత ఈ సనమ చడవలసన
త ేొ
అవసరం ఏమట నక అంతబటటడం ెలొ ు దొ .

2. # గర on 23 Apr 2009 at 8:58 am

 ్
ొ ి ొొ
క ొ ్ ర ుొ తజ ొఞతలడటకర గర!
అరంధత హట కధనం వన వన వళళ సనమ చసన మక మత పయంద. అసల మ కొ టొ ంబ
ుమ
ోలొ ొ
ొ ే నొ ఏద ొ
ోలొ పం వందమ అందరక నచచన సనమ మక ఇంత చండలంగ అనపంచందమట అన.ఈ
రజ మ సమక చదవన తరవత హమమయయ అనకననమ ్ యాకరొ న ఇల
ఒక ా ొ్
ొ ా ొ ఆలచంచరన.
ొ
ఇలొిొ ంటొ సనమల అసల ఎల సనసర పస అవతయ తలయటం ేొ
ాొ లొ ుొదొ .చల అసభయకరమయన
సలన మటల వననయ.మర వ రసనద అకరల నజం.ఈ సనమ హసఫల
కలొ క ె నొ
ోె ్ ొ
్
ొ ్లతష ఆడటం నజంగ వషదం.

3. # rishion 23 Apr 2009 at 11:43 am

హ ంద .పలలల త వలల భయపటట

మక నమససల… ఎంత గపప సనమ అన వలలన మక నరశ .. నవవ ..వచ
ఇబ ిబంద పద్
్ ి ్
ి ద్
ుొ
వు ర ా ొ మకయమ గ
ఉననర…ఇకడ
ొ
రకల , మడయ …ప
పత ెఒకతొ ….మయబజర
రచరమ ఎకకవ….అనల… సనమ చదగన పలలలక చపపంద ొ
హ అరహత
…పతలభరవ….గపప సనమల ఉననవ చడండ…ఎద ఎమన ఈ సనమ అంత పర వచ
ెలొ ు దొ ….