Irom Sharmila's campaign finds backers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 28 2011: Actor Amir Khan, while supporting Irom Sharmila Chanu's unrelenting campaign against the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, has said that the Army Act should be repealed.

According to Seram Rojesh, coordinator of the Manipur-based Just Peace Foundation (JPF), a trust set up for the cause of Sharmila's lone crusade, hordes of film personalities, civil society leaders and academicians of the Nation have extended support to the 'Iron Lady' .

Social Activist Medha Patkar is also said to have informed the JPF that they would extend their support for the fight against AFSPA.

"Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 should be repealed.

I support Irom Sharmila.

I don't think there is any provision in the Indian Constitution to deny meeting with people in custody," Khan said while responding queries to Seram Rojesh at Ramlila ground on Saturday.

As decided by the JPF, Rojesh , who is based in New Delhi , was sent to join Anna Hazare's anti-graft campaign at Ramlila ground.

The decision was taken after Anna team requested Sharmila to participate in the campaign for a strong Lokpal bill.

Lone ranger Sharmila on fast against AFSPA

Demanding repeal of the military Act that gives sweeping powers to the armed forces to the extent of to even shoot persons on mere suspicion, Sharmila (39) has been on a hunger fast since November 5, 2000 .

She is being forced-fed through her nose by the government at the security ward of Jawaharlal Nehru hospital close to her Konpal Kongkham Leikai residence in Imphal East.

After being briefed about the condition of Sharmila and the controversial act by Rojesh, the Bollywood actor, who also came to support Anna at Ramlilla ground, quipped "Let's think in other ways I can do for Irom Sharmila.

You can also tell me what I can do for her" .

Responding to a query raised by Swati , a member of the India Against Corruption, Amir said he would write something and appeal to the people about Sharmila .

Another actor Raja Bundella said " I know she (Sharmila) has been fasting so long and people in this country do not extend support to her.

It is sad.

We should support her.

I came to know about her in more details from one of the program broadcast by Times Now recently" .

" AFSPA is like army rule.

It should be repeal.

What is the difference with this act that India is different from Pakistan, Afghanistan and China? Look, what is happening in Kashmir.

It is really sad," he said.

One of the famous film directors Rajkumar Hirani also extended his concern to Irom Sharmila.

He said "she would be living with painful life.

I should definitely do something for her.

I don't know much about the cause she is fighting.

Please send me through mail about the struggle she is fighting for.

We will do definitely" .

Jan Sangharsh Morcha, a civil society organization's national spokesperson, Dinker kapoor also informed that the organization have also taken a decision to support Irom Sharmilla and her cause.

Well known sociologist Yogendra Yadav said it was very sad that Sharmila remains unnoticed by the people in general.

It was because of the insensitivity of the people in general in this country.

He said the movement would definitely strengthen the movement for the cause Sharmila is fighting for.

It was very sad to think about the present status of her.