Anna invites Irom Sharmila to join anti-corruption rally, wave echoes in Imphal
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal/New Delhi, August 21 2011: Anna Hazare has reached out to fellow protester Irom Sharmila Chanu, the Iron Lady of Manipur, inviting her to join the anti-corruption rally here.

A close associate of the Gandhian, who is fasting at the Ramlila Ground here, said that Anna while extending full support to Irom Sharmila has invited her to participate in the anti-corruption rally.

However, there is slim chance of the Iron Lady joining Anna in his protest rally, as she is under arrest, said sources.

Irom Sharmila was arrested shortly after she began her hunger strike nearly 11 years ago and was charged with an attempt to commit suicide � an offence under Section 309 of IPC.

Irom Sharmila has remained in judicial custody over the past nine years.

She is currently held at the security ward of the Jawaharlal Nehru hospital in Imphal, where she is fed a diet of liquids through her nose. Unlike Anna, Sharmila had begun her hunger strike over a decade ago, after the killing of 10 youths by the AR in Malom in November 2000 .

She demanded the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur.

The Centre has only recently admitted in the Parliament that the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee had recommended repeal of the Act.

The report is still under consideration of the Central Government.

Though Anna Hazare has reached out to Irom Sharmila Chanu inviting her to participate in the anti-corruption rally in the national capital, sources said the lone Manipur hunger striker is unlikely to fly to Delhi to join Anna Hazare's campaign there.

Prominent rights activist Babloo Loitongbam however informed Newmai News Network over phone that the Just Peace Foundation (JPF) may send its representatives to Delhi for which a meeting of the trust will be held on Monday.

JPF has been set up to promote the cause Irom Sharmila has been fighting for--the repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 .

Meanwhile, a massive candle light rally was carried out in the heart of the state capital this evening supporting Anna Hazare's anti-graft movement.

The rally was organised by Art of Living, Manipur.

However, the rally was dispersed by the police before it could conclud.

Hundreds of people holding lighted candles started the procession at 6:30 pm but was foiled by the Manipur police at about 7 pm when the rallyists were gathered at the Wahengbam Leikai area.

The people supporting Anna Hazare's movement were traversing through the Paona Bazar area but when they were heading to Keishampat area via Wahengbam Leikai, the police stopped their progress.

Sources have been indicated that more of such rallies are likely to be held in the state capital in the coming days.

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