IMPHAL, April 30: Irom Sharmila Chanu has been nominated by the members of Maa Gara foundation Trust, Odisha for the national level `Maa Ghara Women Peace Makers Award`, the award presentation will be a first of its kind by the foundation.
Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, managing trustee of Maa Gara Foundation Trust Rutuparna Mohanty said that the award presentation will be held on May 11 on the occasion of Mother`s Day which will include a cash prize of Rs 50, 000 and a memento.
She further said that for the award more than 50 individuals working in various fields for building peace have been nominated and one among them will be selected.
On meeting Sharmila, she declined to accept the award initially but agreed to accept it under one condition that she will accept it but without the cash award, said Rutupurna Mohanty, adding that the cash award will be deposited in her account.
Rutuparna Mohanty assured that they will write a letter to Prime Minister and President of India to consider and start a dialogue on her demands because this kind of issues is not only the issue of Manipur but also other parts of Northeastern India.
There is more recognition and appreciation for making peace in government level but the Indian Government doesn`t have any award for peace makers, she alleged, elaborating that for this reason the foundation introduced a women peace maker award for women who are working on peace and conflict resolution throughout India.
She also assured that they will fight for Sharmila`s cause and overall citizens of Manipur to restore peace in the state.
She further said that she is an example for other human rights defenders and peace makers. Every citizen of India is important as in our constitution every citizen has equal rights.
Citizens of India always expect peace and justice in our country but unfortunately India is not able to engage in peace building process for the common people in the country.
Rutuparna Mohanty continued that the government of India is not capable to restore peace and justice for the common mass and government.
As a result now-a- days we find more violence and conflict areas throughout the country, like displacement, border conflict, conflict of extremist groups etc, she said, alleging that government only tries to address the problems only after the incidents.
But there is no system or mechanism developed to restore peace and to prevent violence. Looking at the present scenario, we need peace makers, activists from different sector should work together to bring peace in India, she said.