Team Anna to focus on NE
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Guwahati, August 29 2011:
After having led the 'peoples's victory' on the Jan Lokpal issue in the national capital, noted crusader Anna Hazare has put his focus now on the North East India region, thanks to Irom Sharmila of Manipur and RTI activist Akhil Gogoi of Assam.
Anna Hazare, the 74-year-old crusader has decided to take up two seemingly regional issues that "will come to impact all Indians in the long run" .
The demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1958 and the campaign against the construction of mega dams are the concerns of Anna Hazare now.
"Hazare has made up his mind to visit Northeast first after recuperating and getting back to work," said Assam-based RTI activist and Team Anna member Akhil Gogoi here on Monday.
"His mission includes rallies against big hydropower projects threatening the existence of people in the Northeast and a trip to (Manipur capital) Imphal to lend support to the cause of Irom Sharmila Chanu" .
Hazare's tour plan, Gogoi added, was drawn up during a recent core committee meeting of Team Anna.
Sharmila, 38, has been fasting since 4 November 2000 after Assam Rifles personnel gunned down 10 civilians at a bus stand near Imphal Airport apparently while chasing rebels.
Her crusade has been against the AFSPA, which activists say gives soldiers the license to kill and stage fake encounters.