NGOs to launch anti-AFSPA campaigns
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 11 2011:
Even as the All Assam Shramik Krishak Kalyan Parishad (AASKKP) has launched anti-AFSPA campaigns at different locations of the North East region, People's Union of Civil Liberty (PUCL) and National Alliance of People's Movement (NAPM) are set to conduct a series of campaigns against the controversial Act in different parts of India from May 22 till August 18 .
Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was passed by the Indian Parliament on May 22, 1958 .
Taking this day, the campaign will be launched on May 22 demanding repeal of AFSPA and release of Irom Chanu Sharmila.
Speaking to reporters in this regard, Human Rights Alert Executive Director Babloo Laitongbam said a children's parliament would be conducted as a part of the campaign on May 22 .
Children from different parts of the State would express their views on the impact of the 54-year-old draconian Act in the children's parliament.
Staging of public protests, sit-in-protests, relay hunger strikes and organising public meetings, painting competition on Sharmila's movement, screening of films on Sharmila, public signature campaign, despatching of the signatures to the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Law Minister, Home Minister and National Human Rights Commission would be the main highlight of the anti-AFSPA campaign, Babloo added.
On the other hand, in support of Irom Chanu Sharmila's decade-long crusade against AFSPA, AASKKP has kick-started anti-AFSPA campaigns at different villages of the North East region.
Speaking at a press conference conducted at the office of Human Rights Alert as a part of their five-day visit to the State, AASKKP chief secretary Pradip Kalita said Sharmila is campaigning against the draconian law not only for Manipur but also for the whole North East States.
Alleging that India Government is discriminating people of the region Pradip said people of NE States must support Sharmila's cause.
Taking part at the press conference, AASKKP State advisor Surendra Nath Baishya said that the parishad staged a 24-hour hunger strike at Guwahati in support of the iron lady's agitation on May 3 .
He added that the parishad has also started anti-AFSFA campains in different villages of North East States.
Surendra Nath Baishya further said that the parishad would also take part in the all-India campaign to be conducted from May 18 to August 22.Meanwhile, the State Home Department has not given the permission for meeting Sharmila to AASKKP Kamrup district secretary Suresh Narjari, Women Cell advisor Ganga Bodo and Women Cell secretary Karabi Baruah.
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