Robita follows in Sharmila footsteps

Khelen Thokchom, TT, Imphal, Aug. 13: Four days after Manipur’s Irom Sharmila called off her 16-year fast, another woman activist, Arambam Robita Leima, started where the “Iron Lady” had left, pledging to fast until the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is repealed.

Robita, 32, began her fast at the office of Salai Chanura Apunba Nupi Lup, a women’s organisation, on the outskirts of this city at 3.30am after offering prayers. Manipuris observe the day as Patriots’ Day and pay homage to their heroes who fought against the British.

At 1.35pm, Robita came with supporters in an auto-rickshaw from the Salai office, located at Chingamakha in Imphal West, to her office, Organisation for Indian Women Against Crime, located near the gate of Manipur University, 10km south of here, and continued her fast by sitting on a mat on the ground floor of the building. 

Later, she went to her locality, Kongba Nongthombam Leikai, in Imphal East following requests from the people there. 

A shed at Kongba Bazar near her home had been arranged for her to fast but as police personnel arrived, she did not go to the proposed venue, fearing arrest. The police said Robita was hiding in her locality. This correspondent’s attempt to meet her proved futile.

Before going to her locality, Robita tried to meet Sharmila at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital here but was denied permission, today being a holiday. Permission is required from the hospital authorities to meet Sharmila. 

She then visited Govindajee temple and Kangla Fort here before going to her locality.

Sharmila, 44, who learnt of Robita’s hunger strike today, declined comment, a supporter said. 

Sharmila ended her fast against the armed forces act on Tuesday, saying that since it had failed to move the government she would contest Assembly elections next year as an Independent to continue her fight against the army act.

Since yesterday, citizen’s organisations have been trying to dissuade Robita from going ahead with the fast as she has two minor children but she remained adamant. 

Y. Ibethoi Devi, adviser of Salai Chanura Apunba Nupi Lup, said they took Robita to their office yesterday for counselling. “We tried to persuade her but she refused to change her mind. Now it is up to her. We have nothing more to say,” she said. 

Robita’s colleagues, who had initially disapproved of her decision, agreed to support her in the face of her resolve. 

“We tried to persuade her to change her mind as she has two minor children and a husband but as she refused to budge from her stand we are compelled to support her,” Soubam Sobita, a schoolteacher and adviser to Robita’s organisation, said.

Lourembam Nganbi, another rights activist, said, “We told Robita not to go ahead. Now that she has started fasting, we cannot tell her to stop.”

Robita’s husband, Konthoujam Hira Meitei, who supports her fight against crimes, is said to disapprove of her plan to go on indefinite hunger strike. 

Robita, however, said, “I salute eche (elder sister) Sharmila for her courage. I am sacrificing my life and family for the sake of eche Sharmila and her struggle.”

Last night (around 10.30), Robita Leima took traditional Manipuri fish curry with women leaders at the office of Salai Chanura Apunba Nupi Lup. 

When she came down from her first floor office to begin her fast this afternoon, only a few of her associates were present. Her younger daughter, Tamphamani, was in the lap of a supporter nearby as Robita sat quietly on the mat.

Many people in Manipur, including rights activists and women’s organisations, were disappointed when Sharmila decided to end her fast and contest elections. 

“It hurts when I hear people getting disappointed. So I have decided to continue the fast and am appealing to the people to support me,” Robita told reporters.