Of War and Peace

What has been the most hopeful moment in these 10 years of fasting?

It was when the central government withdrew the Assam Rifles from our sacred Fort Kangla just after the brutal gang rape killing of Thangjam Manorama in 2004.

A bold step for a great cause demands sincerity, persistence with selfless effort and positive vision. Those who lack this indomitable spirit can hardly be a threat to the wrongdoers.

Fighting for a cause they believe in must be idealistic and divine, not meant to harm common, innocent people. They have no right to destroy anything if they can’t construct something beautiful in its place. Every fighter with a genuine cause should create a weapon of their own inner soul, not resort to violent power to conquer minds and hearts.

States reeling under armed conflict need to realize that any communal or national boundary is an artificial landmark that is perishable property like all of us mortals. People are fed up of all separatist movements. The democratic citizens of India need to inculcate righteousness in their deeds, speech and thought for everlasting peaceful co-existence.

On the birth anniversary of the Mahatma, it is good to remember that everybody is equal in the eyes of the Creator.

What is your message to the people of India on the occasion of Gandhi’s birthday?

What would you say is the way ahead for states like Manipur and Kashmir?

What would your advice be to armed insurgents fighting for their cause, like the Maoists, or the Taliban or groups like the al-Qaeda?

Why haven’t more people joined you in this epic fast?