Delhi police deny Irom Sharmila's supporters
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, December 10 2011: Denied permission by Delhi police to hold a day long fast at Rajghat in Delhi, Sharmila's supporters gathered for solidarity in the morning.

At a press conference later in the day , several renown women social activist addressed the media in support and solidarity to the 11 years of hunger fast by Irom Sharmila and joined hands in calling for repeal of the Arm Forces Special Power Act.

Expressing strong sentiment over the Government's apathy and solitary confinement of Sharmila, Right To Information activist and NAC member Aruna Roy questioned " Is insurgency or violence only in northeast India and not in any other parts of the country ? " Speaking about AFSPA as special act implement in specific areas like Northeast India and Jammu, Kashmir, Ms Roy further asked " why should there be special punishment for special areas?" .

The RTI activist also express her concern over the functioning of Human Rights organizations such as the National and State Human Rights commissions, whom she said had not been supportive.

Talking about democracy and non violence, Aruna Roy said " I am ashamed" and demanded that all citizens in India should have equal excess to constitutional rights.

Speaking of denial for permission to hold fast at Rajghat, Medha Patkar leader of the National Alliance of People's Movement said " Gandhi must have been ashamed" .

Speaking about human rights violations, of cases such as disappearance, Ms Patkar stated that the country must begin to question and discuss such issues.

She said " the movement for repeal of AFSPA will go ahead.

The nationwide campaign for save sharmila that was symbolically initiated in October 2 on Gandhi's birth anniversary was culminated today on international human rights day.

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