It is really pathetic the way this lady is being treated by the Indian state. She is fighting for a noble cause of getting her fellow citizens live in peace. It is more than seven years since she has taken food. She is protesting by sacrifising her own interest. How many of us could do that? She was so honest to admit that her own body is the only tool through which she is protesting. Has Indian state become so insensitive to listen only voilent measures? I think Indian state to address to the Sharmila's demand. I do not know what is AFPSA but it is understandable that common people are being negatively affected. The state should honor its citizens by indulging into dialogue and should not resort to the monologue of draconian laws.
RE:Every Indian who believes in Humanity should support Sharmila
by R Tyagi on Mar 11, 2008 09:43 AM Permalink
She is doing the best she can for what she believes is right.
Government is doing what it believes is best for the society at large in region, in view of armed insurgencies which threaten law and order.
And it is not a question of addressing an individuals demand, nor should it be. It simply is that what she is demanding goes against the government's view of situation. And till the situation is conducive, government must not be under any pressure to influence its decision.
RE:Every Indian who believes in Humanity should support Sharmila
by sajansajan on Mar 11, 2008 10:16 AM Permalink
"Government is doing what it believes is best for the society at large in region" In a democracy the right to decide whats good for society lies with the people of the region and not Delhi. If Delhi did whats good for every region, regional tendencies would have not increased with every passing year. Till yesterday it was J&K and north east (blamed on Muslims/Pakistan and Christians/China resepectively.) Then you had Naxals and now Raj Thakery. Time to wake up and Delhi shouldnt decide becoz Dehi decides whats good for Delhi not the regions.
RE:Every Indian who believes in Humanity should support Sharmila
by R Tyagi on Mar 11, 2008 10:26 AM Permalink
Very correct, But I didn't used Delhi. The fact that development is uneven has a lot to do with diversity that we have in all walks of life all over India, and the more uneven it gets the more regional tendencies are fueled. Regarding decisive power of Delhi, we have a central government which we elect, just as state government, to take care of issues that may not be handled by state government. It so happened in this case that state government repeatedly failed to achieve peace with its own resources. Moreover, possibility of complicity of local politicians (My personal belief is they are alike everywhere) forced center to take matter in its own hand, as it now concerns the integrity of country at large and involves armed insurgencies beyond reach and means of state government.
RE:Every Indian who believes in Humanity should support Sharmila
by sajansajan on Mar 11, 2008 10:40 AM Permalink
"Regarding decisive power of Delhi, we have a central government which we elect" We = People of mainstream. Do you think states which have 1 or 2 MPs get proper hearing in Delhi? Imagine Delhi has 5 MPs and the whole stae of Kerala 9. Who will have power? " It so happened in this case that state government repeatedly failed to achieve peace with its own resources." Delhi government conceded before Supreme Court that it cannot maintain peace if Delhi masterplan is implemented as ordered by court and as ordained by law of land. What did the center do then? Pardoned all law breakers and legalize their illegal act. Why was no AFSPA implemented there? Why this double treatment?
RE:Every Indian who believes in Humanity should support Sharmila
by sajansajan on Mar 11, 2008 10:58 AM Permalink
"The reason behind double treatment is armed struggle.". you are playing with words. We all know there is armed struggle becoz there is double treatment. The armed struggle did not exist in 1947. It is a result of repeated governments treating non-mainstream states as colonies doing nothing for their development. If you give an honest thought even you know that Delhi people get away with every shit while even basic rights of marginal people are grossly violated. That is the reason that the number of regional movements has consistently increased.
RE:Every Indian who believes in Humanity should support Sharmila
by R Tyagi on Mar 11, 2008 11:11 AM Permalink
Here, there is an important point. Don't expect things to change overnight. The regions were not equally developed then. We were not an economically strong country. We had suffered some major defeats politically and geographically. There were major issues. You won't expect government to make all regions equal before moving any forward. The pace of change was also different. If people resort to violence to make their point known then it is neither correct nor helpful and not democratic. Economies and development do not go hand in hand with violence. The result is what we have today.
RE:Every Indian who believes in Humanity should support Sharmila
by R Tyagi on Mar 11, 2008 10:48 AM Permalink
You may remember, government was forced to adhere to the Supreme Court's directions and had to enforce law and order as well, before the law breakers find support in legislators and the validity of the act is still pending before Supreme Court.
The reason behind double treatment is armed struggle. In Delhi situation was brought under control with water cannons, baton charges, etc by local police and paramilitaries itself. But in the present case, people are not protesting unarmed with stone pelting or crude arms. They use advanced weaponry beyond control of local police. You won't be willing to force a constable with a baton to go in front of an insurgent with automatic rifle?
RE:Every Indian who believes in Humanity should support Sharmila
by SANDEEP SINGH on Mar 11, 2008 09:47 AM Permalink
Brother, u better know about the act, current situation in north east and then comment !!! By the way, why doesnt she ask ULFA, NSCN etc for peace,after all they are chiefly responsible for disturbences. Every day Indian solidiers die at hands of these terrorists, i guess they are too human beings !!
