Imphal, December 28: Even as the Centre is considering to amend certain provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, several women NGOs of the country have placed a report on the struggle of Irom Sharmila before the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) of the UN today.

Earlier the Union Government had submitted an official report on Sharmila's struggle to CEDAW for discussion in January at Geneva, said Babloo Loitongbam of Human Rights Alert (HRA).

India is a signatory country to the Convention.

Unsatisfied with the official report, the UN body sought a second report in response to which a group of women NGOs of the country under the banner of National Alliance of Women (NAWO) prepared the second report, Babloo added.

North East Network (NEN), a women NGO based in the region was among the NGOs that collectively compiled the second report.

The second report said, "Sharmila has been on fast unto death since November 2000 demanding repeal of AFSPA 1958 which gives power to shoot at sight to the army.

She has been jailed and nose fed but her indomitable spirit is a beacon of freedom for her blood drenched people".

The page concludes with the words, "She holds for us the hope that violence and repression can be wiped out by peaceful resistance".

Meanwhile, Assam Human Rights Commission has released its publication titled "Militarisation and impunity in Manipur", Babloo informed.

The special edition of this publication consists of various articles written by many human rights defenders like Jiten Yumnam, Phunindro Konsam, Laishramcha Jinine and Dr Naorem Sanajaoba.

It contained special reports based on field study conducted by AHRC recently at different places of Manipur and an interview with Irom Sharmila.

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