The people will vote for me because they want to see a change. Due to my prolonged struggle, they will be influenced to reach out for that change.
After she renounced a 16-year-long fast, 44-year-old Irom Chanu Sharmila says that her fight against AFSPA has now found a different road. During her campaign trail in Thoubal, a stronghold of Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh, Sharmila greets people from home to home, canvassing for votes in a small car. Her party, the Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance, has threadbare finances, devoid of all the poll material her rivals in BJP and Congress have. Yet, when she walks into a locality, people come out in droves to speak to Sharmila. Making her way from Leishentham to her next stop at Thoubal, she speaks to DNA's Amrita Madhukalya:
In this new role as a politician, you've tried to bring in change to the Manipuri society. Yet, there are people who dissuade you. What are the biggest hurdles in front of you in your poll campaign?
In short, the people in Manipur want a martyr. And, I came out of that to do my work — to show them that I'm doing what they could not see — by connecting the masses who have been struggling for so long. I have been in isolation for a long time, in a very drastic way, without a single drop of water going in through my mouth. When we the democratic citizens need a change, we need to start from the system of politics. That's why my role now is to change things — by stepping up for it and being the change itself.
You've caught the world's imagination on the fight against AFSPA. How do you want to translate that fight in your political campaign?
It is difficult, (but relatively easier) only because it is somewhat easier for people to move, as a result of my struggle. In the past, they were dangerously vulnerable while moving around, because of the army's tortures and killings. That's why they can no longer take the struggle seriously. Most of the people feel that there's no need to fight against AFSPA now. But others feel different. As a whole, the people's voice is their right. And, I with my conscience, will continue to do what I think is right in my own capacity. I also feel that my exclusivity will help in holding the community and society together, irrespective of the divisions that exist. I just want to make a difference in society through a collective system. And, I want to identify myself among the people as someone who works for humanity. I have the right to choice, equality, and happiness. We need to share our duties.
In the last village you spoke, where people where not open to you and your campaign, you broke down. When you face such adversities in your campaign, how do you convey your ideas and your intention to the people?
Because of my heartfelt emotions, sincerity and loving kindness, we get connected with each other. I have seen people change their minds spontaneously.
You chose to contest the elections from Thoubal, which has been CM Ibobi's stronghold for years. Isn't that difficult? Do you hope to win?
The people will vote for me because they want to see a change in society. Due to my prolonged struggle and dedication, they will be influenced to reach out for that change.
In the last few days, the Aam Aadmi Party has come forward to lend support to your campaign, which has been extremely independent. Arvind Kejriwal has tweeted asking people to help you monetarily.
It is a good example of the positiveness and constructiveness in our new party. And, AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has forwarded financial help, which is welcome from our side, because it is coming to us in the time of need. I'm very grateful to him and the positive influence it has had on others to contribute. In ancient times, the barter system was used for transaction making people depend on each other, by extending help.
You did not meet your mother for all the years that you fasted. Today, you don't live with your family. How has your relationship with your mother evolved?
I have a good relationship with my mother. After I gave up my fast, she came to the hospital where I was staying. I wrote to our home for a meeting with her. Just a few days ago, before I set out for the campaign, I went to her to seek her blessings. Seeing her gives me strength.
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