Irom Sharmila honoured with the title of Eche
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 10 2013 :
Save Democracy, Repeal AFSPA Group (SDRAG), on the occasion of International Women's Day, had unanimously decided to honour champion of human rights movement and anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila with the title "Eche", which can be literally translated into "Elder Sister" for being the symbol of resistance to human rights violations and being a sisterly figure in igniting hope in the oppressed people under the regime of AFSPA.
Save Democracy, Repeal AFSPA Group, which was formed on September 17, 2011 by a group of students, Professors and people committed to the cause of repealing AFSPA, has been campaigning consistently in Delhi and many parts of India and abroad.
And as part of the perpetual campaign, the group has undertaken, a candle light vigil would be held on March 12 from G.T.B.Nagar to Arts Faculty, Delhi University starting at 6 pm.
The event is organised as a mark of extending full solidarity to "Eche" who will be released on the same day.
SDRAG also saluted the people of Manipur and the world and martyrs who in their own capacities have brought the movement to new heights.
"From the various people's, students' and Meira Paibi movements to the self-immolation of Pebam Chittaranjan; from the historic nude protests at Kangla Gate to the iconic hunger strike of Irom Sharmila, the fight continues.
But the Indian State is still unmoved", said a press release issued by SDRAG.
Through its policy of "Wait-and-Watch", the Government has tried to intimidate the people's faith in the effectiveness of democratic movements.
"It is time that we raise our voice together and let the Government realize that we, as a people, would never submit to state aggression and violence", it asserted.
SDRAG appealed to all the people of Manipur including the civil society organizations to light up candles at all places on the day of her release as a mark of solidarity to 'Eche' and for the repeal of AFSPA.
"Let us extend the timely support that 'Eche' has sought and bring the fight to a whole new level", it called out.