MPP leaders call on Sharmila
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 12 2009: SHOWING solidarity towards hunger striker Irom Chanu Sharmila and her fight for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, AFSPA, 1958 from the state of Manipur, leaders of the Manipur's People Party (MPP), state's opposition party, on Monday visited the "Iron Lady of Manipur" and assured that a committee would be formed at the government level to look into the issue for repealing AFSPA from the whole state of Manipur.

MPP leaders talking to Sharmila in the security ward of JN Hospital

Assuring their stance further, O Joy, member of Manipur Legislative Assembly (MLA) and a leader of the MPP affirmed that Sharmila's goal would be definitely achieved.

However, he expressed deep concern that some of the political parties were being apathetic towards the repealing of the AFSPA.

Th.Chaoba, former Member of Parliament and leader of MPP also accused the state government for not taking any initiatives in repealing the AFSPA from the state.

Dr.Ng.

Bijoy Singh, MLA of the Khurai Kendra and former vice chancellor of Manipur University also held that the people of Manipur were innocent and that they are against such Act.

He also called upon the state government to look into the condition of the innocent people and repeal the draconian act.

Appreciating Sharmila for her eight long years of fasting to save the state from the draconian act, the MLA also affirmed that the MPP was committed in an effort to repeal AFSPA.

Meanwhile, Sharmila Devi stated that she has been on fast for the last eight years and questioned why the state government was preserving her for so long.

She also questioned the innocent people being targeted as terrorists under this Act and the state government's apathetic attitude towards the AFSPA.

This visit of the MPP comes after reports that Sharmila had reportedly sent a petition to the state government on October 30, last to meet all the MLAs of the state regarding the AFSPA and the petition reportedly agreed by the government on November 10.However, no political parties have met the "Iron Lady of Manipur" so far.

MPP's move was stated to be the first ever visit to Sharmila by any political party of the state.