Imphal, November 12 2010: Amid the general strike imposed by hordes of civil bodies, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited insurgency-hit Manipur and attended the Government's systematically arranged programmes of inauguration and laying of foundation stones of various projects today.

Despite the vociferous demands raised by various civil bodies and political parties' not to talk about human rights crusaders, Sonia did not utter a single word on Irom Sharmila Chanu and her unrelenting campaign against the controversial Armed Forces ( Special Powers) Act during her public address at Kangla fort today afternoon.

Sonia neither mentioned nor touched on the subject of the fuel crisis, rampant corruption and the unemployment problem besetting Manipur, disappointing a large number of people, who had braved the boycott to hear her speak.

"At least she (Sonia) should have made a statement on Sharmila and what the Centre has in mind about the controversial AFSPA.

She only spoke on the achievements of the ruling Congress Govt," said Mema Devi from Imphal.

"As the Chairperson of the UPA Government she should have spelt out certain measures and suggestions on how the issues concerning Manipur should be addressed," Mema added.

Along with the United Committee Manipur (UCM) and the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (Amuco), a battery of civil bodies besides boycotting Sonia, also called the general for 15 hours beginning 2 am in protest against the Centre's failure to disclose the whereabouts of the banned UNLF chairman RK Meghen.

Responding to the call of the civil bodies Sonia accompanied by Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja and AICC leaders Ved Prakash was greeted by empty streets at Imphal.

Owing to the bandh business establishments at major markets at Imphal including Paona Baazar, Thangal Baazar, Alu Galli and market sheds at Nagamapal were closed.

Inter-district and inter-State passenger goods vehicles were also off the road.

On Wednesday afternoon Sharmila said she had indirectly urged Sonia Gandhi through letters to repeal the Military Act.

"As a woman she ought to understand my struggle.

If she meets me during her visit I will ask her to repeal the military Act and if she fails to meet me it doesn't matter," Sharmila said adding that she also wanted to ask her how the Centre is viewing the current situation besetting Manipur.

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