Sharmila supports 'Save Narmada Movement'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 10 2010: Irom Sharmila who is struggling for the cause of people's rights today announced she would donate Rs 50,000 to the National Alliance of People's Movements campaigning Narmada Bachoao Andolan (Save Narmada Movement).

The alliance under the leadership of Medha Patkar is struggling for the people affected by the controversial Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River in Gujarat, India.

Sharmila made her announcement when the convener of the National Alliance of People's Movements, Sandeep Pandey met her along with some local media person at the security ward of JNIMS Hospital, Porompat.

During the meeting, Sharmila informed Sandeep Pandey that she has decided to donate Rs 50,000 to the National Alliance of People's Movements as her along support to the campaign for persons saving the Narmada River.

Renown rights activist Sandip Pandey saluting Iron Lady Irom Sharmila's peaceful struggle

In later told reporters that she will continue her struggle and fast till her demand for removal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958 is fulfilled.

"It is matter of time only.

One day will achieve my goal, the total repeal of the Act," she said.

In reply to a question asked by reporters, she observed that it is a shame on the part of the government to remain silent even after 10-years of her struggle.

If the governing people are true leaders of the people, there is no need to spend huge funds to keep her alive, she said.

Government should remember that the voice of the people is the voice of God and her demand is not for her own sake but, for justice and rights of the people, she asserted.

Sharmila also expressed dissatisfaction that government prevented rights activists coming from outside the state from having an audience with her.

It is the weakness of the government.

If government is sincere to deal with the people in delivering justice, they should have been allowed to hold interactions with her.

She has no interest in meeting with Sonia Gandhi, Sharmnila said in reply to another question.

She had submitted several representations to her regarding her demand for repeal of the Act but she has got no reply till date.

As a woman and also as a widow, she should be aware of the prevailing situation in the state.

She cannot ignore it and if she does so, she is not a worthy woman.

If I happen to meet her, I would raise only one question � as a woman in what way does she view the people of Manipur.

Sandeep Pandey after meeting with Sharmila said that she is a person who is closest to Mahatma Gandhi.

Her struggle is a most peaceful one and it has strengthened the morale of democracy in the country.