Manipuri mothers meet Sharmila, lend support to crusader's mission

 Manipur’s human rights crusader Irom Sharmila Chanu, who ended her 16-year epic hunger strike on Tuesday, has a reason to cheer.

For, the Emas (mothers of Manipur), who were against her idea of joining politics and settling down with Desmond Cutinho, Sharmila’s Goa-born-British love interest, met her in the hospital on Thursday.

After Sharmila’s release, the Emas, who had rallied behind Sharmila and had been involved in the relay hunger strike since 2008, her family and a section of the civil society had shunned her.

“Today, we took the initiative to organise a meeting between Sharmila and the Emas. It was very emotional. The Emas hugged and blessed her. Sharmila also spoke her heart out. She told the mothers that she wanted to contest the elections and try to change the political scenario in the state. She argued that her new strategy needed to be tried out. The Emas agreed not to oppose her,” said Babloo Liothongbam, an activist said to be close to Sharmila.

The Emas had a couple of meetings since Tuesday and decided to dissolve Sharmila Kaba Apunba Lup, the platform of the Manipuri mothers, who had agitated to save Sharmila.

“We have told her that we cannot support her in politics. We will continue with our agitations against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFSPA). We disagree with her new ways, but we realise that the objectives are the same, which is to repeal AFSPA,” said one of Ema Soibam Momon Leima.

On the other hand, Sharmila’s brother Irom Singhajit remained absent in the crucial meeting, indicating that the family has distanced itself from Sharmila.

“Another positive development is that Sharmila will stay in the hospital for the time being. Our main focus is her health and her need to sync with the society again. These are very important. The human right activists in Manipur are with Sharmila,” Babloo added.

The Indian Red Cross Society on Thursday officially intimated Sharmila that they are ready to provide her shelter.

The Manipur government’s home department has asked the city police to review security arrangements before Shar-mila finally moves to the facility in Imphal. However, Red Cross said it cannot be her permanent residence.

“If they (Red Civil Society) abandon me… I will go away,  but will never give up my fight. I have only changed my strategy,” Sharmila told DH.

 “I do not plan to meet anyone till I succeed in my mission,” Sharmila said.