Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 09 2009:
The hunger relay strike launched by the Sharmila Kanba Lup in pursuance of the twin-demand of removing Armed Forces Special Powers Act and save the life of Sharmila is set to complete one year tomorrow.
In support of Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on a fast unto death since November 4, 2000 demanding withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, the Sharmila Kanba Lup launched the hunger relay strike on December 10 last year to coincide with the International Human Rights Day.
So far, over 5 lakhs people have reportedly participated in the hunger relay strike even as round 1500 different civil organisations have staged protest demonstration over same issue.
However, even after more than 9 years of fasting by Sharmila and almost one year of hunger relay strike by the people of Manipur demanding scrapping of the draconian law which gave sweeping power to the security personnel to even anybody even on mere suspicion, conscience of the Government of Manipur is yet to be moved, convenor of Sharmila Kanba Lup AK Janaki has lamented.
Talking to The Sangai Express today, Janaki informed over 3 lakhs people from Imphal East and Imphal West district alone have participated in the hunger relay strike to show their solidarity to the struggle of Sharmila.
From Thoubal district, around 1.50 lakhs people and another 1 lakh people from Bishnupur district have also come to participate in the hunger relay strike being launched at Porompat, Janaki further informed.
Besides hunger relay strike at Porompat in Imphal East district, similar protest demonstration in support of the cause of Sharmila Kanba Lup had been launched for 7 months in Thoubal district and for 5 months in Bishnupur district, she added.
Earlier participating in the hunger relay strike at Porompat today, Janaki observed that there is nothing to be expected from the Government as it has done nothing inspite of the public protest against prolonged imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
On the 364th day today, members of District Women Committee of United NGOs Mission, Manipur participated in the hunger relay strike.