Imphal, June 28 2009: Along with completion of 200 days of the hunger relay strike being launched at Porompat PDA complex in support of the cause of Irom Chanu Sharmila today, the Sharmila Kanba Lup which is spearheading the agitation has reiterated its appeal to all the people for strengthening the movement to ensure repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and save the life of Sharmila.

Coinciding with the observance of International Human Rights Day on December 10 last year, the Sharmila Kanba Lup launched the hunger relay strike in pursuance of the twin demands of repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 and save the life of Sharmila who has been undergoing fast unto death over the same demand of repealing the Army Act for more than 8 years now.

Inspite of completing 200 days today, the State Government or the Central Government has not given its response to the public demand till date.

With this backdrop, the Sharmila Kanba Lup organised a public meeting at GM Hall here today in condemnation of the continued indifferent attitude of the Govt as well as to commemorate completion of 200 days.

The meeting was held with convenors of Sharmila Kanba Lup Keisham Ongbi Taruni and AK Janaki Leima, president of Kabui Mothers' Association Kakomlunglu Kamei and president of United Manipuri Muslim Women Development Organisation Sitara Begum as presidium members.

Addressing the meeting, Taruni expressed grave concern over escalating violent incidents of killing innocent people in Manipur and questioned how long would be the Manipuri mothers be able to see their sons fallen down in fake encounters of the security personnel.

Lives of many innocent people have been lost and the modesty of the women violated as a result of continued imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Manipur, she said.

At this critical junction, all the women organisations should leave aside their differences and work together for solving the problem lying before us today, she exhorted, adding that it is high time for the Manipuri mothers to work out an effective strategy in this regard.

AK Janaki observed that even if there are 60 MLAs including one woman in Manipur, there is none who can speak out against Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Lack of support from these elected representatives is one of the main reason for the indifferent attitude of the Government towards the public demand for repealing the draconian Act.

This is really shameful in front of other States.

Sitara Begum pointed out that promises made by various political parties and their candidates during election time on removing Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been forgotten after the election.

This should be taken serious note of by the people.

Reader of English Dept, DM College of Arts Dr Ch Silaramani; secretary of Leikol AC Nganthoi and co-convenor of Sharmila Kanba Lup S Momon Leima and social activist T Sana were among the resource persons who also spoke at the meeting.

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