Imphal, December 09: In a unique show of solidarity to Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on fast unto death agitation for more than six years now demanding withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, and pray for her success of her struggle, each and every households in Kongpal Kongkham Leikai would lit meiras (torches) on the night of December 12.Kongpal Kongkham Leikai is the birthplace of Sharmila.

The Sharmilagi Khongjang Mai Paknaba Thounijaba Lup, which is behind the concept of offering Meiras to pray for the success of the struggle being launched by the gutsy young woman fighter has also fervently appealed to all the households in Manipur to do so and extend their support to the cause of withdrawal of the draconian Act from its prolonged imposition in Manipur.

The Lup was formed and the decision of offering meiras were arrived at during a public meeting convened jointly by Regional Academy of Youth and Students, Kakwa Naorem Leikai; Forum of Satyagraha for Repeal of AFSPA, Wangkhei; Social Advance Movement Manipur, Kongba and League of the Senior Citizens, Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai at Kongpal Kongkham Leikai today.

Sana Konung Semgat Sagat Lup president Chingsubam Gopalmacha and social activist Joy Nongmaithem were present during the meeting as functional president and chief guest respectively.

Social Advance Movement president Laishram Manohar, League of Senior Citizen advisor Wangkhem Joy, Irom Kamini Leima Rural Academy of Youths and Students vice president Prince Tayangba were among the guests of honour of the function.

In his address as chief guest, social activist Joy Nongmeithem pointed out that Sharmila has been carrying on with her struggle for more than six years now refusing to take food or drink water until and unless Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 has been repealed.

However, despite the six years long struggle of Sharmila and the public outcry against prolonged imposition of the draconian Act in Manipur, the Indian Prime Minister during his recent visit to the State insisted that the Act would not been repealed but only some of its provisions would be amended to give a humane face to the Act.

So it is time for the people to understand the underlining meaning behind the announcement made by the Prime Minister.

If we are to save the life of Sharmila and protect are human rights, then each and every Manipuri should extend support to the cause of Sharmila and her struggle for withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur, he exhorted.

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