Delhi convention against AFSPA held
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 01 2015 :
A convention on Repeal AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) was organized in New Delhi on Sunday with the objective to make the demand for repeal of AFSPA as political priorities.
This convention was organized on the eve of November 2 which marks the completion of 15 years of hunger strike by Irom Chanu Sharmila.
The Delhi Convention was attended by eminent speakers that including Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights; Babloo Loitongbam of Human Rights Activist from Manipur; Swami Agnivesh; Prof Nandini Sundar; Prof Deepti Priya Mehrotra; Ashok Agrwaal; Henri from Forum Asia and others.
Youths and other activists also attended the convention in large numbers and extended their support towards the cause.
This convention was organized by Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC); Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), Bonded Labour Liberation Front, Just Peace Foundation (JPF), Forum Asia and Human Rights Alert.
Those who participated also signed sheets of papers endorsing the demand for repeal AFSPA from all regions (Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir) and release of Irom Sharmila.
Sharmila is completing 15 years of her hunger protest on November 2.She has been observing the fast as a form of protest since the year 2000.She decided to register her protest against torture and killings in Manipur under the veil of AFSPA.
Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of NPMHR said "AFSPA is a violation of human rights and if India is truly a democratic country then this Act should be removed immediately" .
At the end of the convention, it was announced that demand to repeal AFSPA is a collective struggle and that there will be a weeklong observation to show solidarity with 15 years of struggle launch by Irom Chanu Sharmila.