Imphal, December 09 2008: "SHARMILA KANBA Lup", a new all-women organisation to support and save Irom Sharmila was formed on Tuesday.

Sharmila, who has been on fast-unto death agitation for the last eight years demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special (Powers Act), AFSPA, 1958, was arrested by the state government under IPC 309, attempt to suicide.

Addressing its first press conference at the United People's Front (UPF) near Keishampat in Imphal West, convenor of the Lup Mrs.AK.

Janeki asserted that the association does not accept the fact that the state government arrested Sharmila under IPC 309, attempt to suicide and added that she was arrested because she protested against the 'black law', AFSPA.

Affirming that the newly formed "Sharmila Kanba Lup" or "Organisation to save Sharmila" would support her agitation, the convenor informed that the association would start a relay hunger strike at Porompat in Imphal East from Wednesday which is also the International Human Rights Day.

Calling upon the people and the various civil organisations of the state to join in the protest for repeal of AFSPA, the convenor held that it was time for the organisations of the state to make the government answer what Sharmila has been asking for the past eight years.

Is Sharmila going to protest alone for the people of the state with a tube in her nose, questioned AK.

Janeki.

A tube has been passed through Irom Sharmila's nosetrils as she is being forced-fed with liquid food since she refuses to eat.

Informing of the objectives of the newly formed organisation, Mrs.Janeki stated that the association would make the government admit that Sharmila was arrested for protesting against the 'black law' and makes her acts known to the people of the northeast region and even Asian countries.

The association would also make sure that the state government respects Sharmila as international communities do, publish her stories in books and other entertainment sources as to make her well known in the northeast region, added the convenor.

The association would also observe her birthdays with prayers and respect her as a leader, conveyed the convenor of the "Sharmila Kanba Lup" Mrs.AK Janeki.

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