Imphal, November 05 2008: In commemoration of the day on which Irom Chanu Sharmila started launching her fast unto death agitation demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, the 5th Khunai Kanba Numit was observed under the aegis of Khunai Kanba Numit Thousil Lup at MDU Hall here today.

Sharmila started her agitation on November 5, 2000, three days after the incident at Malom in which 10 persons were mowed down by security forces.

Since 2004, Khunai Kanba Numit Thousil Lup has been observing November 5 every year as Khunai Kanba Numit under various themes.

In the observance function held at MDU Hall today, president of Theatre Centre Manipur Naba Wareppa; vice president of Kanglei Loinnasillon Apunba Marup, Imphal Sagolsem Taruni Leima and president of National Highway 53 Ching-Tam Leima Lup, Tera Keithel Thiyam Ongbi Silleima Leima attended as presidium members.

Giving the key note address, programme co-ordinator of Khunai Kanba Numit Thousil Lup Rakesh Naorem said everyone should be proud of Sharmila and support her cause as the cause she is fighting for is for the welfare of all the people.

When Sharmila started launching her fast unto death agitation, police arrested her on alleged charge of trying to commit suicide under section 309 of Indian Penal Code and lodged her in Sajiwa Jail.

Afterward, as she needed medical treatment, she was brought to JN Hospital where she is being kept at the security ward.

Today, Sharmila has completed 8 years of fasting, Rakesh announced.

Speaking at the occasion, advisor of DESAM L Romesh observed it appears that today the public have stopped supporting the cause of Sharmila who has completed 8 years of struggle against imposition of draconian law, thus relegating her to a lone fighter.

This is very unfortunate.

Touching on the theme of saving the society, Romesh said social change is inevitable but it should not be at the cost of the culture and tradition of the people.

Director of Mutua Museum Mutua Bahadur also spoke at the occasion dwelling on the subject of tradition dresses in the past and the present.

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