Journalist turned author Anubha Bhonsle dedicated her book Mother, Where’s My CountryIJ —looking for light in the Darkness of Manipur, to the state. In her book she writes about the pitiable condition that the citizens continue to live in due to the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, writes Arjita Mishra
The time when Anna Hazare started his hunger strike, to exert pressure on the Indian Government to enact a stringent anti-corruption law, the Jan lokpal bill, for the institution of an ombudsman, it led to nationwide protests in his support. He became the real hero and everyone thought the he is the man who can bring a change in the country and he achieved it. The Government finally introduced the lokpal bill. At that same moment, we talked about the power of a common man, who through his dedication, brought a change in the law.
But, many of us didn’t care about Irom Sharmila, a social activist who is on a hunger strike since November 2000. Having refused food and water for more than 500 weeks, she is called ‘the world’s longest hunger striker’. On International Women’s Day, 2014 she was voted the top woman icon of India by MSN polls. But still this was not what she wanted. Her fight was against a law passed by the Government, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 that applies only to the Seven states (North-East) and grants security forces the power to search properties without a warrant, to arrest people, and to use deadly force if there is a reasonable suspicion that a person is acting against the state.
Journalist Anubha Bhonsle took up the raging issue and wrote about Irom Sharmila in her book Mother, Where’s My CountryIJ —looking for light in the Darkness of Manipur. The book details the condition of North-East India especially Manipur. It throws light on the tragic history of the state through the story of Sharmila and also many others who have been a victim of the violence. It also shares stories of those who stood up to fight for peace and justice.
Four years ago, Bhonsle decided to write a book on such a serious issue. “When I first started reporting on Manipur, it was not like that I would write a book but four years ago, I made up my mind that I have to write about it.”
The journalist turned author started her research work in 2006, when for the first time, she met Irom Sharmila, during her protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. They even met at Ram Manohar lohia hospital where Sharmila was being treated. According to her, “It was a part of my assignment but, it just stuck in my mind. That was the time when I spent few days and learnt a little about the protest.”
From 2006 till now — after nine years, the book got published, and Bhonsle visited Manipur almost every year for her research work. She said, “Over the years, that I have visited Manipur, I have spent large amount of time not just with Irom Sharmila but, trying to understand what her perspective is.” She added, “I have spent time in the camp area, observing daily life and army people, too. I have tried to understand how this law operates on the ground.”
However, the author cleared to us that she has not written the book to change anyone’s perspective but has written it for her own knowledge and also to know how Manipur works. This book comprises several interviews with personnel from the Indian Army, Intelligence Agencies, politicians and bureaucrats, leaders of insurgent groups, Sharmila and her family and also common people across Manipur.
Present at the book launch, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai accepted that to write a book on such a serious issue is appreciable. He said, “I am glad that Anubha has mentioned about the North-East, especially Manipur in her book.” Sardesai also thinks that this book will bring a spark and can become a relevant topic for discussions and debates.
photos Sanjeev Kumar