Nov 2, 2000 : Anti-AFSPA Campaign Continues To Sustain
State political leaders chided for lack of conviction
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03 2012:
To mark the completion of 12 years of fast by anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Sharmila, a discussion on AFSPA was held today at Wabagai Community Hall under the aegis of Women Development Association and WALYDA.
Y Manishwar Singh, Retd Economics lecturer; Mayengbam Lalahari Singh, ex-president of WALYDA and Mayengbam Ranjit Luwang, ex-president of WALYDA graced the function as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, Irom Singhajit, brother of Sharmila, said that Ministers in Jammu and Kashmir have had the conviction to raise their voices against AFSPA whereas Ministers here in Manipur never dare to raise a voice against it.
He said the people of the State demanded the repeal of AFSPA while Ministers here demanded more security forces from the Central Government.
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While the anti-graft campaign led by Anna Hazarre got the attention of Parliament and wide coverage in mainland media, the 12-year struggle of Sharmila for the removal of AFSPA did not receive coverage from mainland media nor did it create an issue in Parliament, Singhajit said.
He added that AFSPA would be repealed from the State after mobilising supports from various States for which a unified strength is necessary from people of the State.
Singhajit further stressed on the 'dreadfulness' of the AFSPA.