Imphal, December 20 2008: The 11th day of the indefinite hunger relay strike being launched by Sharmila Kanba Lup in support of the cause of Irom Chanu Sharmila, women representatives of five different social organisations carried forward the agitation today.

Sharmila Kanba Lup launched the hunger relay strike in support of Sharmila who has been on fast for more than 8 years now demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act on December 10 to coincide with the International Human Rights Day.

On the 11th day of the hunger relay strike, representatives of Singjamei Pebia Pandit Leikai Nupi Lup, Kongba Kheikhu Meira Paibi Lup, Kongba Khunou Nupi Lup, Sagolband Meira Paibi Lup and Thoubungkhong Meira Paibi Lup participated in the agitation.

According to the leaflets being distributed among the people in connection with the ongoing hunger relay strike, it is said it is time for the people of Manipur to give renewed courage to Sharmila in her fight and exert more pressure on the Government to consider the public demand for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

Decrying the conduct of the Government in detaining Sharmila on under Section 309 of Indian Penal Code and charging her with attempted suicide, the leaflets said that Sharmila should be considered as a political prisoner and respected by the Government like other International community which regarded Sharmila as a prisoner of conscience.

The leaflets also suggested putting up poster of Sharmila in all the schools, colleges and other institutions as part of a mass campaign in the whole of North East to garner support apart from convergence of various media forum like films, theatre, literature and discussion session to highlight the true face of human rights scenario in Manipur since the imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Comment