Imphal, January 04 2008: "How long should we tolerate the Government's penchant of exchanging human lives with ex-gratia? " asked social activist Sitara Begum.

She was speaking at Porompat PDA complex today where a relay hunger strike is being staged demanding to save the life of Sharmila and repeal of AFSPA under the aegis of the Sharmila Kanba Lup and other organisations.

The relay hunger strike completed 26th day today.

Asserting that people should not accept the Government's practice of providing ex-gratia after killing innocent civilians, Sitara Begum called upon mothers of Manipur to stand up against such practice.

Speaking at the protest venue, field executive of the Centre for Social Development N Niranjan claimed that there was no democratic Government more irresponsible than the one where its own citizens are slaughtered regularly with impunity.

He reminded that the primary duty of a Government is to protect lives of its citizens and their properties.

To help fructify the 8 year long crusade of Sharmila, it is crucial to document all acts of human rights violation perpetrated under cover of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, he asserted.

Once the International Criminal Court starts functioning in India, all those involved in criminal cases including the Government would get the penalty, Niranjan said.

Human rights activist Wahengbam Joykumar observed that the people of Manipur have been bearing the brunt of AFSPA for the last many years.

But now atrocities committed under extrapowers guaranteed by the military Act has surpassed the tolerance limit of the people, he asserted while calling upon all to stand up save the life of Sharmila.

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