President Barack Obama went to India last week. He declared that India is “not simply an emerging power but now it is a world power.” President Obama suggested that India’s emergence as a world power now gave it the authority to “promote peace, stability, prosperity.” He embraced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He met with leaders of the business community and spoke to the Parliament. He met with university students, he danced with primary schools students.
The President of the United States of America met with many people of the Republic of India. He talked of peace between nations, in particular Pakistan and India. He announced that the United States would support India’s permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council.
Security is on the minds of many in India, and across South Asia. Many want to redefine security. National security. Personal security. Community security. Many of those who seek an alternative to security through military means and, even more, through the militarization of domestic spaces are women. President Obama did not meet with those people. He did not meet with those women who counsel nonviolent alternatives to security based on arms and force. Instead he talked about the Security Council
President Obama did not meet with Medha Patkar, the driving and visionary force behind the Narmada Bachao Andalan movement, a movement of tribal and aboriginal people, of farmers and peasants, of women, and of supporters. Narmada Bachao Andalan is a nonviolent direct action mass and popular movement that this year celebrates, in song and struggle, twenty-five years of organizing for real security. This began as a struggle to stop a big dam being erected on the Narmada River, and has evolved into an alternative vision of statehood, nationhood, security. President Obama did not meet with Medha Patkar, and no one is surprised.
President Obama did not meet with Irom Sharmila, who has been on a hunger strike for ten years now. In early November 2000, in the state of Manipur, insurgents attacked a battalion. The battalion retaliated, later, by mowing down ten innocents standing at a bus stop. Included among them was “a 62-year old woman, Leisangbam Ibetomi, and 18-year old Sinam Chandramani, a 1988 National Child Bravery Award winner.” A pregnant woman was also reported as being one of the dead.
The army knew it could act with impunity because it was covered by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, or AFSPA. AFSPA was imposed in Manipur in 1961. Much of the rest of the Northeast has been under its rule since 1972. According to government reports, more than 20,000 people. By the government’s own statistics, tens of thousands of people, have been disappeared, tortured, beaten, abused. In Manipur, this began in 1961. By 2000, it had gone for almost four decades.
A young 28 year old woman, Irom Sharmila, decided enough was more than enough. She entered into an indefinite fast, a hunger strike that would continue until the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is rescinded, the soldiers withdrawn, the people restored. November 4 marked the tenth year of Sharmila’s fast. President Obama did not meet with Irom Sharmila, and again no one is surprised.
President Obama did not meet with these women of peace, considered by many to be the true Gandhians. Nor did he meet with Ishrat Jahan.
In 2004 there was a `police encounter’ in Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat. Police encounter is a delicate euphemism for extrajudicial killings. Extrajudicial killings is a discrete euphemism for police murder, assassination, torture, disappearance, terror.
In 2004 the police encountered Ishrat Jahan. She was nineteen years old, a college student. She and three others were gunned down. The police claimed they were part of a terrorist organization and were planning to kill the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Five years later, in 2009, a police investigation determined that Jahan and her three colleagues had absolutely no ties to any terrorist organization of any sort. It was further determined, by police, that assassinations had been planned and carried out by senior officials who wanted to impress the Chief Minister. In a word, they were seeking promotion. Through security.
Jahan’s family was relieved and demanded further inquiry. The Gujarat High Court appointed a Special Investigative Team to delve deeper. The State of Gujarat appealed to the Supreme Court to disband the SIT, saying the High Court had no power, had no standing, when another agency was already investigating. The Supreme Court decided against the State … and for due process, and perhaps the people. This has been described as “an embarrassment to Gujarat government.” The investigation will continue.
…And Ishrat Jahan is dead. As she lies with the tens and hundreds of thousands killed in the name of security, killed and tortured in the pursuit of prosperity, Ishrat Jahan haunts the peace of so-called world powers.
(Photo Credit: BBC.com/AFP)
Thanks Dan for this moving statement and for connecting the dots that show so clearly that India like the US has become a security regime. I have pasted below a statement signed by many of those, men and women, who keep our hopes for justice alive.
Irom Sharmila completes 10 years of hunger fast against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
will sonia gandhi acknowledge her peaceful struggle and end
>her solitary confinement while in imphal on nov 12, 2010?
Over the last few weeks the Manipur valley has been paying tribute to 10 years of the relentless struggle of the Imphal-based poet, Irom Chanu Sharmila, against the AFSPA. In response, the government of Manipur has systematically disrupted peaceful public meetings and banned rallies and concerts that were being attended by people from all over the country who had met to honour Irom Sharmila and re-iterate their long-standing demand for the immediate repeal of the AFSPA – a draconian law that has been force in many parts of the north east as well as Kashmir for almost 60 years now and left a terrible legacy of killings, torture, disappearances, rape, and many other crimes committed with impunity.
For too long, the government has turned a blind eye to excesses by the armed forces committed under AFSPA. For too long, it has refused to implement the recommendations of several of its own Committees – from the Justive Jeevan Reddy Committee to the 2nd Administrative Reforms Committee – to repeal AFSPA. For too long it has suppressed peaceful voices of protest like that of Irom Sharmila by holding her in solitary confinement, without rights of visitation granted even to convicted criminals in the country.
On November 12, 2010 Chairperson, UPA and AICC President, Ms Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to visit the Manipur valley to inaugurate some developmental projects and a Congress Bhawan Annexe Building. But it seems, that like the government she heads, Ms Gandhi has no time or inclination to listen to the voices of the people of Manipur, or indeed to live up to the promises made by her own government – after all, on 2 December 2006, PM Manmohan Singh promised the speedy removal of the AFSPA at the historic Kangla Fort from where she will now address a public meeting.
As Chairperson, National Advisory Council, we urge Ms Gandhi to go beyond political affiliations by meeting Irom Sharmila on her current visit, and initiating proceedings to end the undemocratic way in which Irom Sharmila’s freedom of liberty and speech have been taken away from her.
As democratic voices, peoples’ organisations, women’s and students groups and concerned individuals we demand that if Ms Gandhi truly wishes to do something for the people of the region, she must not remain silent on the spate of aggressions by the state government in the valley and hill areas, especially over the last year. She cannot visit the region and fail to initiate a political dialogue with the people. She cannot ignore the impact of militarization by the State that dominates peoples’ lives. She cannot remain silent on the AFSPA anymore.
Sd/-
1. Uma Chakravarti, Feminist Historian
2. Neingulo Krome, Former President, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights
3. Bimol Akoijam, JNU, Delhi
4. Vani Subramanian, Saheli, Delhi
5. Urvashi Butalia, Zubaan, publisher of Irom Sharmila’s book of poems, The Fragrance of Peace
6. Harsh Mander, Special Commissioner for Food Security
7. Yambem Laba, Ex- Member, Manipur Human Rights Commission
8. Babu Matthew, Former Director, Action Aid
9. Dr. K.S. Subramaniam, IPS, (Retd)
10. Vrinda Grover, Lawyer
11. Babloo Loitongbam, Human Rights Alert
12. Dr. Th. Suresh Singh, Retd Director of Health Services
13. Henri Tiphagne, People’s Watch, Madurai
14. Jiteswar Sarma, Chairman, Manipur Peace Centre
15. Ammu Abraham, Women’s Centre Mumbai
16. Anand Chakravarti, Retd Prof Delhi University
17. Anjuman Ara Begum, Dept of Law, GU
18. Anuradha Pati
19. Anusha Hari, JNU
20. Asha Kotwal, Gen. Sec., NCDHR
21. B. Prem Sharma, Social Worker
22. Basantakumar Wareppa, Human Rights Alert
23. Chit Ranjan Singh, INSAF/ P.V.C.L
24. Chitra Ahanthem
25. Cynthia Tiphagne, People’s Watch, Madurai
26. Daisy Phukan, Photo Journalist
27. Dhana Loukrakpam, Poknapham
28. Diamond Vahali Oberoi, Delhi
29. Dimple Vahali Oberoi, Shimla
30. Forum Against Oppression of Women, Mumbai
31. Geeta Charusivam, Tamil Nadu
32. Geeta Seshu, Mumbai
33. Geetanjali Gangoli, UK
34. Honey Vahali Oberoi, Delhi
35. Jayshree Mutum, S.G. Lecturer
36. Joshy Joseph, Film maker
37. Joya Mitra, Writer/ Environment Activist
38. K.P. Sasi, Film maker/ Visual Search
39. Kalpana Viswanath
40. Kalyani Menon-Sen, Gurgaon
41. Kamal Mitra Chenoy, JNU, Delhi
42. Kamayani Bali Mahabal, Advocate
43. Kamla Bhasin, Sangat South Asia
44. Kh. Imomacha, Media
45. Khaidem Mani, Advocate
46. Khelen Thokchom, Media
47. L. Pardisi, Committee on Human Rights
48. L. Romikanta, Law Student
49. Lena Ganesh, Mumbai
50. M. Labeeb. Theatre
51. M. Nilomani, Employee, Raj Bhavan
52. Madhu Mehra, Partners for Law in Development, Delhi
53. Maya Subrahmanian
54. Meena Seshu, Sangram and VAMP, Sangli
55. Meihoubam Rakesh, HRLN
56. N. Pramod Singh, LMS
57. Nilanjana Biswas, Bangalore
58. Ningthuiyang, Law Student
59. North East Network
60. O. Jiten, Research Scholar
61. O. Romen, Just Peace Foundation
62. Oinam Doren, Photo Journalist/ Film maker
63. Ojas S.V., Theatre Activist, Pune
64. P. Biramangol, Teacher/ Writer
65. Pamela Philipose, Women’s Feature Service, Delhi
66. Paramita Nath, Independent Filmaker
67. Penkoottu, Kozhikode, Kerala
68. Ponni Arasu, Chennai
69. Pramada Menon, Gurgaon
70. Pramodini Pradhan, Civil liberty activist
71. Prasanna Nair. Kochi, Kerala
72. Pratiksha Baxi, Delhi
73. Premjit, Businessperson
74. Priya Thangarajah
75. Ramlath Kavil, Mumbai
76. Ratna Appnender, Student
77. Richa, Jan Abhiyan Sanstha, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
78. Rohini Hensmen
79. S.K. Yumnam
80. Sajjad Hassan, Centre for Equity Studies, Delhi
81. Salam Bidyalaxmi, Student
82. Samrat Sinha, TISS
83. Saratchand Thiyam, Sahitya Thoupang Lup
84. Saumya Uma, Consultant – Gender, Law & Human Rights
85. Shipra Nigam, IIT Delhi
86. Shruti, Student, JNU
87. Suneeta Dhar, Jagori, Delhi
88. Supriya Madangarli, Mumbai
89. Thresiamma Mathew, Archana Women’s Centre, Kottayam
90. Trupti Shah, Sahiyar (Stree Sangathan) Vadodara
91. Nisha Biswas, Scientist, Activist
92. Veena Gowda, Lawyer
93. Bisakha Dutta, Point of View, Mumbai
94. Teena Gill, Filmmaker, Delhi
95. Vineeta Bal, Scientist, New Delhi
96. Mary John, Director, Centre for Women’s Development Studies
Thanks for this moving and urgent statement, Nalini.
Six years and some later the investigation is just beginning: http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article941976.ece
#India: …And Ishrat Jahan is dead http://t.co/znXf6iN0Cg #prison #IromSharmila
…And Ishrat Jahan is dead http://t.co/1KETicRIjK #India
[…] Irom Sharmila decided then and there that enough was too much. On November 4, 2000, she entered into an indefinite fast, a hunger strike that would continue until the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is rescinded, the soldiers withdrawn, the people restored. She was arrested almost immediately and put into “custody” for attempting to commit suicide. […]
Ishrat Jahan case: Home ministry files FIR to probe into missing documents http://www.firstpost.com/india/ishrat-jahan-case-home-ministry-files-fir-to-probe-into-missing-documents-3019590.html
Ishrat encounter case: CBI opposes Gujarat DGP Pandey’s discharge petition http://indianexpress.com/article/india/ishrat-encounter-case-cbi-opposes-gujarat-dgp-pandeys-discharge-petition-4549581/
Ishrat Jahan case: SC asks Gujarat government to accept police chief’s resignation https://scroll.in/latest/833581/ishrat-jahan-case-sc-asks-gujarat-government-to-accept-police-chiefs-resignation
Ishrat Jahan case: SC allows Gujarat government to accept DGP Pandey’s offer to quit http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ishrat-jahan-case-sc-allows-gujarat-government-to-accept-dgp-pandeys-offer-to-quit/articleshow/57987301.cms
High Court Summons Ishrat Jahan’s Mother On November 14
http://www.mid-day.com/articles/high-court-summons-ishrat-jahans-mother-on-november-14/18725151
Special CBI judge J K Pandya on Saturday completed hearing and reserved order till January 23 on application filed by two central intelligence bureau officials against issuance of summons against them in the 2004 Ishrat Jahan encounter case. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/cbi-court-reserves-order-on-summons-to-ib-officials/articleshow/62397549.cms
It is instructive to note here that Patel was the judge who had ordered a CBI probe in the fake encounter case of Ishrat Jahan, while he was posted at the Gujarat High Court. http://www.firstpost.com/india/supreme-court-judges-rebellion-this-is-not-the-first-time-fissures-have-appeared-in-the-judiciary-4299623.html
Watch: Lawyer Vrinda Grover on Why Top Cop in Ishrat Jahan Case Must Face Trial https://thewire.in/227882/watch-lawyer-vrinda-grover-top-cop-ishrat-jahan-case-must-face-trial/
Vanzara claims Modi interrogated in Ishrat Jahan case https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vanzara-claims-modi-interrogated-in-ishrat-jahan-case/articleshow/63290610.cms
Ishrat Jahan Case: CBI Seeks Time to File Report to Prosecute the Two Former Cops https://thewire.in/law/ishrat-jahan-case-cbi-seeks-time-to-file-report-to-prosecute-the-two-former-cops
Ishrat Jahan encounter case: Have sought Gujarat govt’s nod to prosecute Vanzara, Amin, says CBI https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ishrat-jahan-encounter-case-have-sought-gujarat-govts-nod-to-prosecute-vanzara-amin-says-cbi-5413545/
Ishrat Jahan encounter: Getting govt sanction to prosecute ex-cops not in our hands, says CBI https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ishrat-jahan-encounter-getting-govt-sanction-to-prosecute-ex-cops-not-in-our-hands-says-cbi-5525021/
Ishrat Jahan encounter: Vanzara, Amin want case dropped https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/ishrat-jahan-encounter-vanzara-amin-want-case-dropped-723982.html
Gujarat Govt Denied Sanction to Prosecute Ex Cops in Ishrat Jahan Fake Encounter Case https://thewire.in/law/gujarat-govt-denied-sanction-to-prosecute-ex-cops-in-ishrat-jahan-fake-encounter-case
Ishrat Jahan Case: Former Cops Vanzara, Amin Discharged https://thewire.in/law/ishrat-jahan-case-former-cops-vanzara-amin-discharged
Two women, two policemen: The Ishrat Jahan and Pragya Thakur cases are a study in contrast https://scroll.in/article/922518/two-women-two-cops-the-ishrat-jahan-and-pragya-thakur-cases-are-a-study-in-contrast
Ishrat Jahan encounter trial: Court adjourns hearing third time in a month https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ishrat-jahan-encounter-trial-court-adjourns-hearing-third-time-in-a-month-6087083/
Ishrat Jahan case likely to be buried without trial https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/ishrat-jahan-case-likely-to-be-buried-without-trial-749716.html
Ishrat Jahan Encounter Case: A Timeline of Events https://thewire.in/rights/ishrat-jahan-encounter-casetimeline
Ishrat Jahan ‘Fake’ Encounter Case: CBI Court Drops Charges Against Cops DG Vanzara and NK Amin https://www.news18.com/news/india/ishrat-jahan-fake-encounter-case-dg-vanzara-nk-amin-acquitted-of-all-charges-2125349.html
Court questions CBI on ‘differential approach’ in Ishrat Jahan encounter case https://indianexpress.com/article/india/court-questions-cbi-on-differential-approach-in-ishrat-jahan-encounter-case-6118574/
Court asks CBI about not challenging discharge orders https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/court-asks-cbi-about-not-challenging-discharge-orders-775978.html
Ishrat Jahan Encounter: CBI Court Junks Discharge Plea of Four Accused Cops https://thewire.in/law/ishrat-jahan-case-cbi-discharge-plea-accused
Ishrat Jahan encounter case: CBI court refuses to drop proceedings against four accused officers https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ishrat-jahan-encounter-case-dg-vanzara-gujarat-riots-6852973/
No One Killed Ishrat Jahan: All Police Officers Accused of Murder by CBI Now Discharged https://thewire.in/rights/ishrat-jahan-fake-encounter-police-officers-discharged
‘Trial Was One-Sided From the Start’: Ishrat Jahan’s Mother on Discharge of Murder-Accused Cops https://thewire.in/rights/ishrat-jahan-mother-cbi-fake-encounter-discharge
Ishrat Jahan Encounter: CBI Special Court Acquits Last Three Police Officers https://thewire.in/video/watch-ishrat-jahan-encounter-cbi-special-court-acquits-last-three-police-officers