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extreme anguish over this killing was manifested in her continuous hunger-strike since then. Sharmila is probably the only woman, rather person on earth to continue with her hunger strike for so many years – undeterred and resolute to get the Armed Forces Special (Powers) Act or AFSPA revoked, besides getting the Disturbed Areas Act withdrawn from the state. Though it would be wrong to say that she was starving for that many years (as the state would not allow her to die that way), it is quite a unique movement, in itself, to reckon with. While Manipur is said to have maximum number of armed militant outfits, this sort of nonviolent militancy (activism) also made a huge impact on the system of governance. Sharmila doesn’t know whether she would be able to see the fulfillment of her dream or not, but she is quite sure neither her mother nor she would succumb to the pressure. They have not met for an equal number of years (another display of protest) and continue to remain afar till the goal is reached. Sharmila is highly influenced by the South African activist Nelson Mandela, who had spent 27 years in jail. And this Manipuri activist, who is under police custody, may have a new plan to break the record of Nelson Mandela’s stint in jail. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Sharmila’s struggle found more takers, when 32-year old girl, Thangjam Manorama Devi was picked up from home on charges of being involved with 18

August 08

A Women activists in clash with security forces in Imphal. the militants, and later tortured, in all probability raped, and killed by the 17th Assam Rifles. Thangjam Manorama, was the daughter of late Thangjam Birahari and Thangjam Ongbi Khumanleima of Bamon Kampu Mayai Leikai, who did not perform the last rites since her death on July 10, 2004. Earlier her mother was quoted as saying: “We have decided not to perform her rituals, which is a must for us, until and unless AFSPA is repealed. We can’t bear this. Leaving her necessary rites undone is really torturing us silently. Her soul may be wandering here and there, around us. Being her family, we, in heart, want to perform her rituals.” But they could not wait any longer. They organized for the final rites – for the funeral, a wooden image (local name Pangong) dressed in the clothes of the late Manorama was cremated. Her mother was till then preserving

NNN Photo

STATE MANIPUR

the late Manorama’s clothes. Thangjam Dolendro, brother of the late Manorama, said these rites had to be performed as according to the Meitei tradition, a family that does not perform the last rites (funeral ceremony) of the dead is prohibited from participating the religious rituals and the like. “Therefore our family decided to perform these rites,” he added. It is not about their demand for the withdrawal of the Act that makes them innovate their ways. By tradition Manipuris are creative and that can be judged from their rich tradition of art and culture. Manipuri paintings, dance and sculptures alike – reflect the creative minds of the people that needed so much struggle to gain international attention. Manipuri dance is one of the six major classical dances of India and is inextricably woven into the life pattern of Manipuri people. The most striking part of the August 08

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