CSOs support Irom Sharmila's cause
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 04 2016:
Maintaining that Irom Sharmila's struggle for abolition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 is justified, many civil society organisations have pledged solidarity to Sharmila's 16 years old fast.
Expressing solidarity with Sharmila's crusade, a candle light vigil was observed this evening at Leimayol Art centre, Singjamei Chingamakha under the joint aegis of NEDF, VWCOC, PDS, COWF, DVSF, WEI, SADO, SYDO, VFP, PHRCC, ECN, SWDC, YOM, FDC and PAD.
WAD secretary M Sobita said the stoic silence being maintained by the Government of India and the State Government towards Sharmila's democratic struggle and legitimate demand for abolition of AFSPA is highly questionable.
If Manipur is genuinely assumed as a State of India, Government of India should repeal AFSPA from the State.
GoI's obduracy to retain AFSPA in Manipur only testifies that it shares little empathy with the grievances of the people of Manipur.
It's time for GoI to repeal AFSPA from Manipur and save Sharmila's life.
At the same time, it is a matter of serious concern that none of the Ministers, MLAs and MPs have ever worked with any sense of sincerity to get AFSPA repealed from Manipur, Sobita asserted.
She then expressed strong suspicion if the frequent bomb blasts in the State have anything with the State's conspiracy to keep AFSPA in Manipur for good.