Irom Sharmila donates Rs 3 lakh to IRC
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 14 2014 :
Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been fasting against the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers Act for the last 13 years, has donated Rs 3 lakh to the Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur State Branch.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, IRCS Manipur State Branch secretary Prof Y Mohen said that Sharmila, who was conferred Gwangju Peace Prize, gave them a cheque of Rs 3 lakh this morning.
Prof Mohen said Sharmila made the donation in accordance to her personal wish as declared earlier in media.
Sharmila's intention for donation was informed to International Committee for Red Cross Society, Indian office and it was told that accepting the donation need approval of ICRC headquarters, Geneva.
ICRC even directed the Manipur State branch not to accept the donation.
In accordance to the directive, the cheque was returned to Sharmila.
However, out of the cash components of the award received by Sharmila, Rs 3 lakh was donated to ICRC Manipur State branch and Rs one lakh was donated to Mumbai based peace activist Dr Reo Rebello.
Sharmila also donated Dr Reo Rebello's book 'World Without War' to the State Central Library through the ICRC Manipur State Branch.
The book was presented to Sharmila by the author and it was handed over to officials of State Central Library by Prof Mohen today.
Prof Mohen said that Sharmila is the first person who donated such a substantial amount to ICRC Manipur State branch.
The amount donated would be utilised in organising basic first aid training programmes, health camps and blood donation camps, he added.