Imphal, October 06: In support of the demand to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur completely and expressing solidarity to Irom Chanu Sharmila who is currently at New Delhi continuing her almost 6 years long fast unto death agitation over the same demand, all the market places and shops in Khwairamband Bazar area will remain closed tomorrow.

Announcing this, Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Marup said all the business transaction would remain suspended for the day on October 7 and a Wakat Meepham will be staged in protest against the indifferent attitude of the Government toward the demand of the people for total removal of the draconian Act from Manipur.

In a statement jointly signed by its president and secretary, the women's body said Sharmila is not alone in her struggle and all the people of Manipur are behind her.

The Government of India and the State Government should also be held responsible for any untoward incident that might happen to Sharmila during the course of ongoing agitation, the statement said, while appealing to all the people to extend their support and co-operation for the success of the proposed Wakat Meepham.

Coming out strongly against the prolonged imposition of AFSPA in Manipur despite strong protest from the people, United People's Front (UPF), Manipur has also reiterated that the demand and the agitation being launched by Sharmila is for the whole people of Manipur.

It has been acknowledged the whole over that imposition of AFSPA and giving unrestrained power to the security forces is not the answer to the problem of insurgency in Manipur, a UPF statement by its publicity secretary Leishangthem Naobi said, while observing that AFSPA has caused more suffering to the innocent people of Manipur.

The Governments, both at the Centre and the State should understand the aspiration of the people and act accordingly before the wrath of the people fall on them, the statement said.

The Film Forum, Manipur while supporting the stir launched by Sharmila has also announced that it would suspend the screening of films tomorrow.

Comment