Rights activist hints at blast as pro-AFSA conspiracy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 06 2013: Stating that possibility of vested interest involved in the recent blasts at the capital areas cannot be ruled out, Just Peace Foundation president Irom Shinghajit said there is strong suspicion that the blasts were triggered as it occurred at a time when the campaign for repealing the draconian AFSPA 1958 is being intensified.

Briefing mediapersons at the Kwakeithel office of Human Rights Alert today, Shinghajit said the nationwide campaign in solidarity of lrom Sharmila Chanu was held from November 4 till today.

The campaign is in commemoration of Sharmila's 13th year of fasting in demand of repealing the pro-military law.

Starting with a candle vigil to reiterate the demand 'Remove AFSPA, Save Sharmila' at Samtasthal near Rajghat in New Delhi on November 4 evening, a similar campaign was held at Mahatma Gandhi Antarashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya in Wardha of Maharashtra wherein a talk session and play based on Sharmila's campaign were staged, said the Foundation president.

Apart from many professors attending the talk session, the university's Vice Chancellor Vibhuti Narayan gracing the event as the chief guest also lend his support to the ongoing campaign of Sharmila, said Shinghajit adding that the Amnesty International is also chipping in for repealing AFSPA by soliciting missed call on mobile No.1800 2000059 in solidarity with Sharmila's ongoing movement.

Shinghajit also stated that during the Maharashtra campaign some social workers enquired as to whether the campaign is connected with the demand for Manipur's independence to which he reportedly explained that the ongoing movement is in solidarity with Sharmila's demand for ensuring right to life for the people of Manipur.

He also conveyed special gratitude to Informatic Language Engineer namely Kamala Thokchom, working in Nagpur, for her contribution in successfully organising the campaign there.

With regard to his suspicion about possibility of vested interest in the recent series of blast in the city areas, Shinghajit opined that lack of initiative by the MLAs of Manipur to completely repeal AFSPA from the State can be interpreted in many ways.

As many rebel groups have already washed their hands off the blasts, involvement of groups with vested interest or even security force agencies planting/triggering the explosions at high security zones and public places cannot be ruled out, contended the rights activist.

According to HRA executive director Babloo Loitongbam one-day fasting agitation was organised by Sharmila Kanba Lup at the Lup's Porompat office premises on Ningol Chakkouba day (Nov 5) as part of the 'Remove AFSPA, Save Sharmila' campaign.

In the evening candle light vigil was observed, he said candle light vigil, peaceful protest and submission of memorandums marked the campaign held at different places of Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

Similar campaigns were also organised by social activists in Madhya Pradesh, UP and Haryana States, informed Babloo.

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