The decision of the human rights activist Irom Sharmila to end her sixteen-year-old fast on August 9 and to enter the electoral fray in Manipur is welcome. Fighting against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from within the political system would provide her a greater say, and understanding, than was the case hitherto when she was being force-fed.
The iconic Irom hopefully will display the same tenacity and staying power in her new career as a politician that she has shown as a determined human rights activist. She deserves the support of all right-thinking Indians who must welcome her entry into the political process. The northeast States are increasingly becoming mainstream, showing the same strengths and weaknesses that have dogged politicians in the Hindi heartland. Though her move to end her fast and enter politics has taken everyone by surprise, it is hoped that she will exploit her celebrity for the good of the people of Manipur regardless of their ethnic and indigenous character. Given that a fresh Assembly poll in the State is due early next year, the three-term Congress Chief Minister Ibobi Singh has reason to worry. Who Irom will throw her lot with is not known, but all indications are that it is not going to be Singh’s party. Her entry has made the coming election most interesting.
