Imphal, November 02 2010: A six-day long Festival of Hope, Justice and Peace was opened today at JNMDA auditorium here by Commissioner of Right to Food, Government of India Harsh Mander.

The festival is being organised by the Just Peace Foundation in commemoration of 10 years of Irom Sharmila's crusade against the infamous Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 .

A painting exhibition based on the theme 'The Spirit of Sharmila' was also opened by Commissioner Harsh Mander as part of the festival.

Folk song artiste Naorem Gangatombi presented a ballad eulogising the struggle of Sharmila.

Rewben Mashangva and his son presented a similar narrative in the form of folk music.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Harsh Mander said that Sharmila's 10 years long struggle against AFSPA is the most noble and highest form of non-violent protest.

He remarked that Sharmila's struggle against AFSPA would occupy a very important chapter in history.

Observing that there are various forms of injustice and that injustice comes under different shades and hues, he said that the dignified, peaceful and solitary crusade of Sharmila will ultimately bear fruits.

The voice of Sharmila will find sympathetic ears among other communities and nations.

There is no point in arguing that Sharmila wants peace and that peace is impossible without justice, Harsh Mander said.

Observing that India is a democratic country governed by its own constitution, he asserted that the same rule of law should be followed in Manipur too.

Describing the present situation as a dark period, Harsh mander said that it would not an easy task to realise peace in this dark period.

"Yet, we cannot afford to take any rest in such a critical period.

Sharmila' fast unto death campaign for the last 10 years is no mean achievement", he said.

Statements given by eminent persons on Sharmila's struggle were also read out at the function.

This was followed by presentation of a play titled Meira Paibi based on the life and struggle of Sharmila by Civic Chandran's team (Kerala).

In continuation of the festival, Kanglei Mime Repertory Theatre would present Mirel mashingkha tomorrow.

The Aryan Theatre would present Nong Tarakle on November 4 at JN Dance Academy.

On November 5, a public meeting will be held at BOAT which would be followed by a free youth peace concert by TAPTA.

The festival will culminate with an all community prayer session at Nupi Lan Memorial complex on November 6 .

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