Lup flays attack on Irom Sharmila supporters
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 20 2011: Taking grim note of unruly elements disrupting gathering of 'Save Sharmila Repeal AFSPA' campaigners at New Delhi yesterday, the working committee of the Apunba Lup cautioned all concerned to refrain from such act in the future.

"We condemn strongly the unwanted act triggered by vested interests.

It was an act against humanity," said assistant co-ordinator of the Lup Elangbam Johnson reacting to suspected right wing activists attacking volunteers of anti-AFSPA campaign.

About 20 slogan shouting right wing activists attacked the public meeting of the anti-AFSPA campaigners at Delhi University campus last evening.

they hurled tomatoes and other items in an apparent bid to disrupt the gathering.

Some of the perpetrators sporting black head-bands shouted slogans in support of Indian army and ostracizing Manipur.

As a verbal showdown ensued between the perpetrators and the campaign supporters, a physical confrontation also broke out between the attackers and meeting organisers before arrival of a Delhi police team controlled the situation from blowing out of proportion.

"We warn the perpetrators not to commit such barbaric act in future and if repeated they should face all consequences arising out of it," cautioned Johnson.

He said the Apunba Lup will continue to relentlessly campaign against the draconian act.

A conglomerate of several civil society organisations of the State, the Lup is spearheading campaign for repealing of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act which gives sweeping powers to the armed forces even to shoot people on mere suspicion.

The Lup was formed in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama Devi by Assam Rifles soldiers in July 2004 .

Demanding repeal of the Act Irom Chanu Sharmila (39) has been on fast-unto-death agitation for over a decade.

Before the Delhi meeting commenced volunteers of 'Save Democracy, Repeal AFSPA' welcomed a group of anti-AFSPA that reached the national capital from their Jammu and Kashmir sojourn.

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