Imphal, July 01: Besides screening a video film titled "Sharmila Awarded Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2007", a workshop on Sharmila's struggle was held today at Manipur Press Club with Dr Arambam Lokendra as moderator.

The film was produced by the Human Rights Alert (HRA).

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest MLA RK Anand observed that the Gwangju Prize given to Irom Sharmila was in recognition of the Manipuri people's relentless struggle against human rights violation.

Giving the key note address, HRA director Babloo Loitongbam remarked that the Gwangju Prize conferred to Irom Sharmila by South Korea is the most prestigious civilian award in the whole of Asia.

The film was produced with the primary objective of highlighting the similarities as well as the differences between Gwangju and Manipur to the people of the State.

Irom Singhajit who went to Gwangju to receive the Gwangju Prize on behalf of his younger sister said that the Prize was awarded to two Indians� Sharmila and Lenin Raghuvanshi.

The Prize carries one gold medal and US $ 25,000 each.

The amount is about 11 lakhs in Indian currency.

The amount has not been delivered till date as permission of the Home Ministry is still awaited, Singhajit disclosed.

Reacting to the response of the Union Home Ministry that application and necessary documents sent through the State Home Department have not reached the Home Ministry yet, Singhajit expressed suspicions.

Before the Prize distribution ceremony on May 18, a workshop on Democracy, Peace and Impunity was held at Gwangju from May 15 to 18.The workshop was participated by delegates from 19 countries.

During the workshop, Babloo Loitongbam highlighted various issues of Manipur concerning rampant human rights violation, Singhajit conveyed.

The Forum Asia which organised the workshop also suggested a year long campaign to publicise the existing situation in Manipur.

The Forum assured all necessary expenditure for the proposed campaign.

Director of Forum Asia Alsemolee further asked for all relevant documents through a body having thorough knowledge of the situation in Manipur, he added.

The concluding session of the workshop was attended by Advocate Khaidem Mani and other invitees.

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