Guwahati to fast on Nov 2 in solidarity with Irom Sharmila
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 15 2011: To show solidarity with Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on a fast unto death for more than 10 years now demanding the repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, a day-long fast would be observed at Guwahati on November 2, Chairman of Peoples' Forum of Democracy (PFD), Assam Dr Dilip Bora has announced.

Addressing a press conference convened by Just Peace Foundation at the office of Human Rights Alert at Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai here today, Dr Dilip Bora, who arrived at Imphal today at the head of an official team of PFD, said that the proposed day-long fast at Guwahati on November 2 is to draw the attention of mainland India, more particularly the Central Government, to the public demand for repealing the draconian Act.

Sharmila has been on fast for more than 10 years now demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, but has not been taken serious note of the issue not only by the Centre but also by the National newspapers, Dr Bora lamented.

Dr Bora further informed that in support of Sharmila, PFD has so far collected around 50,000 signatures from the people of Assam including scholars and intellectuals for drawing the attention of the President and the Prime Minister of India.

PFD has come to Manipur to mobilize the support of the people and civil societies for mass campaign against imposition of black laws in North East region in collaboration with civil societies in other States, Dr Bora explained, while alleging that the Centre has always neglected the problems of North East.

Dr Bora also regretted denial of permission by the Government of Manipur to meet Sharmila who is being kept confined in the security ward of JN Hospital, Porompat.

PFD would ensure that such conduct of the Government of Manipur is brought to the notice of the people all over the world, Dr Bora assured.

Dr Bora arrived at Imphal today at the head of an official team of PFD comprising its Vice President Rabi Ram Brahma, Member Sarat Kalita and Member Bibek Das.

They were denied permission to meet Sharmila.

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