Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, January 13 2009:
The Association of Independent Minds (AIMS) on Tuesday asserted that hunger striker Irom Sharmila, who has been on indefinite fast for over the last eight years demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958, from the whole of Manipur should be given the title of 'Champion of Human Rights'.
The Association also held that AFSPA should be kept in the jungle and not with the human beings.
Participating in the hunger relay strike being organised by Sharmila Kanba Lup (Save Sharmila Organisation ) at the P.D.A complex, Porompat, Imphal East, Bimola Laishram, vice president of AIMS held that Sharmila is a true champion of human rights and added that she should be given the title of the 'Champion of Human Rights'.
The vice president also declared that she would sacrifice and dedicate her life in the struggle for the repeal of the AFSPA.
Meanwhile, speaking during the relay hunger strike as a resource person, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Manipur, M.A.Rahman observed that the AFSPA was kept in the state of Manipur in order to maintain the law and order of the state.
However, the law has done more harm than cure the situation with many innocent lives being lost everyday besides the various encounters, sigh the retired IGP.
He also appreciated and expressed his gratitude towards the Sharmila Kanba Lup for coming forward to support the cause and save Sharmila.
On the other hand, Biren Yambem, general secretary of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) also asserted that the number of killings in the state is increasing by the day and called for a repeal of the act.
He also held that the AFSPA is dangerous for the womenfolks of the state.
Advocate and legal advisor of AIMS, Angomcha Araba was of the opinion that the AFSPA was for the animals and asserted that it should be kept in the jungle and not amongst the human beings.
He also called upon the security forces in the state not to violate the freedom of life of the common people through this act.