Irom Sharmila to be honoured in Assam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 03 2014 :
Anti-AFSPA campaigner Irom Chanu Sharmila would be honoured at International Women's Day celebration to be held in Assam on March 8 .
Speaking at a press conference held at Manipur Press Club today, All Assam Manipuri Women Meira Paibi Co-ordination Committee (AAMWMPCC) Advisor Ng Ramankanta said that the Iron Lady would be feted at the 39th International Women's Day celebration to be held at District Library Auditorium, Silchar.
The function would be jointly organised by AAMWMPCC and United Women Welfare Society, Rongpur, Silchar, he added.
Ramakanta said that he met the marathon hunger striker at JNIMS security ward for around 30 minutes today.
On his invitation to participate in the function, Sharmila told him to send one of her family members on her behalf as she would not get the permission to go there, Ramananda said.
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Sharmila also told Ramakanta that she does not campaign against the infamous AFSPA for fame but for the cause of the whole mankind.
She added that the honour which the two women bodies are going to present her are precious as it would motivate her to continue the campaign against AFSPA.
Sharmila handed over one of her hand written poetry entitled, 'Nangbu Keidoungei Laakpano" (When did you come), letters written by Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Academy, Assam State Committee and Mahasveta Devi of Kolkata to Ramakanta to read out at the celebration.
Sharmila also expressed her desire to meet people from other States when she would be released on March 13 .
A memento and a shawl would be presented to Sharmila at the International Women's Day celebration to be held at Silchar.
Social activist Bijaya Shomkar, Dr Joychandra of Guru Choron College, Silchar and a scholar from the Manipur University would present papers on the topic, 'Irom Chanu Sharmila as a crusader of Human Rights' at the function, Ramananda said.
Leaders of AMUCO, UCM and DESAM would be invited in the function, he added.
Notably, Sharmila has been fasting in protest against unbridled powers given to security forces under AFSPA.