Imphal, October 06: Wakat Meephams (protest sessions) were held at different parts of the State today protesting against the alleged negligence of the Government of Manipur toward deteriorating health condition of Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been fasting for nearly six years now in pursuance of the demand for total removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

Meira Paibis, students and general public who participated in the protest session held in their respective localities from 10 am to 4 pm held placard and festoons with slogans like 'Remove AFSPA from Manipur', Save Sharmila', etc.

Meira Paibis of Malom Tuliyaima area led the protest session held at Malom Tuliyaima Bus stand where security forces mowed down 10 civilians on November 2, 2000 which led Irom Chanu Sharmila to begin her fast unto death agitation demanding removal of AFSPA from Manipur.

Expressing solidarity with Sharmila, students of Mega High School and Malom Girls High School along with the local Meira Paibis also staged Wakat Meepham at Malom Bazar.

Similar protest demonstrations were organised by Meira paibis of Keinou area at Keinou Bazar as well as under the aegis of Bishnupur District Apunba Nupi Lup at Ningthoukhong Bazar, Bishnupur Bazar and Moirang Bazar by the women vendors.

At Kumbi Bazar, KumbiIthai Branch of Bishnupur District Apunba Lup organised the Wakat Meepham and it was participated a large number of people especially womenfolks who attired in their traditional mourning dresses.

The women demonstrators also condemned the killing of Oinam Brojen and Laishram Bungo alias Birmangol by security forces.

Students and teachers of City Montessori Hr Sec School, Lamboi Khongnang Khong also staged a sit-in-protest expressing solidarity with Sharmila today.

A rally was also taken out to show support of Sharmila today evening.

The rally was taken out from Nambol Chingmang to Maibam Lokpa Ching and also at Nambol Naorem.

After keeping her under nasal feed for years at the confine of the security ward of JN Hospital, Sharmila has shifted the venue of her stir to the National capital.

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