Memorandum to Prime Minister from Save Irom Sharmila Solidarity Campaign

6 April 2012 : New Delhi

SAVE SHARMILA SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN
(A joint initiative of various organizations & movements)
24/84, Flat No: 3, Friends Apartment,
Gaffar Manzil,
New Delhi – 110025
Website: www.savesharmila.org
Blog: www.repealafspa.blogspot.com
E-mail: [email protected]

To,
The Prime Minister of India,
New Delhi.

Through:
District Magistrate,

Subject: Attention to Irom Sharmila’s non violent fast unto death & Demand of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign

Respected Sir,

In 1931, on the same day, Mahatma Gandhi broke the salt law through Namak Satyagrah with many followers of peace and non violence. Now, today, we, the volunteers of save sharmila solidarity campaign are registering our grievances with Govt. of India by Nationwide Sharmila Satyagrah. We, through this Nationwide Sharmila Satyagrah, demand for justice for Irom Sharmila and showing our solidarity with her cause on the day that is already important for all followers of peace and non violence.

We would like to draw your kind attention on the serious issue of world’s longest hunger strike of "Irom Sharmila Chanu", a brave woman who is on fast for last 11 years since year 2000 with her demand to repeal controversial Armed Forces (Special) Power Act (AFSPA). Many cases of human rights violations are already reported in AFSPA imposed states.

At the time, when Nobel laureates, Megsesay awardees, Padma awardees and other intellectuals, National and International human rights activists and agencies and large number of general public are in support of Irom Sharmila, Govt. of India is continuously trying to ignore this protest and has not taken any concrete step yet. Instead of being concerned about the problem, govt. ignored the issue and charged Irom under the ‘attempt to suicide’. This lady, who is fighting for a public cause and democratic values has not been heard by the govt yet.

We already wrote letters, had organized Nationwide Signature Campaigns, had met with Chairman, NHRC, had organized Srinagar-Imphal Save Sharmila Jan Karwan and Ahemdabad-Srinagar Save Sharmila jattha, had organized college campaigning, had organized documentary screenings, rallies, protests, candle vigils, road show, nukkar nataks, theatre performances, art shows etc at various places. Now, we are submitting this memorandum to Prime Minister of India with demand of justice for Irom Sharmila.

As a Prime Minister of India, you represent the world’s largest democracy and thus you have a responsibility to take positive action on this issue. We believe that ignorance of non violence is ignoring the values of democracy and humanity. We are the firm believers of peace and non violence and we hereby demand that:
* Govt. of India should take "positive steps of talk" with Irom Sharmila
* To send all party delegation to meet Irom Sharmila and people of Manipur
* Members of National Women Commission and National Human Rights Commission to meet Irom and to investigate the cases of atrocities in Manipur

If, steps will be taken from your side, to provide a fruitful solution, it will not only help to save a precious life, but will also help in confidence building among people, will help to strengthen democratic values and will be a precious initiative to join hearts and minds of people.

From :
Deepak Joshi
Julius Tongbram