Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 08:
Sit-in-protest demonstrations were continued to be held all across the State expressing solidarity with Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been fasting for nearly six years now demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur.
At Kongpal Iranpham Thongkhong, the birth place of the gutsy young woman, half of the road was blocked and a mass sit-in-protest cum public meeting was organised jointly by The Kongpal Students' Club, Nupishingee Yaipha Samaj, The Porompat Road Women's Creative Association, Oriental Youth Organisation and Kongpal Kongkham Leikai Meira Paibi Welfare Association.
Apart from raising the slogans for total repeal of the draconian Act from Manipur immediately, save the life of Sharmila and unconditional release of Hussein Ahamed, the protestors also resolved to organise mass campaign including writing letters to the Indian President and International Human rights to garner their support to the cause and to launch fund drive toward meeting the expenses required in this connection.
In Churachandpur district, Meetei Society, Churachandpur organised a Wakat Meepham attended by a large number of representatives of various civil organisations along the Old Bazar Tiddim Road today.
Those who spoke at the occasion underlined the point that the struggle being launched by Sharmila is not of her own, but of all the people of Manipur and the Governments both at the Centre and the State should seriously consider the demand for removal of AFSPA from Manipur.
Protest demonstrations were also held at various other places like Singjamei Okram Leikai, Pishumthong, Chingamathak, Yumnam Leikai, Keishamthong Thangjam Leirak, Kongba Kshetri Leikai, Wangkhei Thangjam Leikai, Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai, Wangkhei Laishram Leikai, Waithou Bazar, Malom Bazar, Lamlong, Pangei, Khundrakpam, Chingkhu, Yumnam Khunou, Sagolmang Bazar, Pukhao, Uyumpok, Keibi, Soibam Leikai, Lamboikhul, Irilbung Kabui Khul, Irilbung Bazar, Keirao Panthoibi Bazar, etc.
Meanwhile, endorsing the demand for total scrapping of AFSPA from Manipur, Meitei Erol Eyek Loina-sillol Apunba Lup, Kangleipak and Man League, Manipur have also prevailed upon the Govts, both at the Centre and the State for taking up necessary actions toward fulfilling the demand of the people.