Actors, civic groups, individuals to support Irom Sharmila
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Just Peace foundation
New Delhi, Ramlila Ground, August 28, 2011
Bollywood actor Amir Khan has said, "Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 should be repealed.
I support Irom Sharmila! I don't think there is any provision in the Indian constitution to deny meeting people in custody" .
The coordinator of Just Peace Foundation, Seram Rojesh yesterday briefed Amir Khan at Ramlila ground, New Delhi about the condition of Irom Sharmila who has been fasting for the last 10 years.
She will be completing the 11th year of her fast on coming 4 November, 2011 .
She is not allowed to meet people freely including her family members who have been deterred by the government by imposing many procedures.
It takes many months to get a clearance from the government just to meet her.
Rojesh also informed that in other parts of India, even criminals are allowed to meet visitors without any restriction but in the case of Manipur, it was totally different.
She has been put into isolation.
I don't think there is any provision in the Indian constitution to deny meeting with people in custody.
We don't know why government restricts people from meeting her.
She is fighting to repeal AFSPA -1958.Actor Amir Khan responded that "It should not be done like that.
I know about the AFSPA -1958.It has no place in a democratic society" .
Amir Khan was asked by JPF coordinator, you had visited Medha Patkar when she was fasting at the Jantar Mantra in 2004.Now you have come here at Ramlila to support Anna Hazare for his cause.
But why don't you ever visit Irom Sharmila who has been fasting so long? She had been fasting for almost six months in Delhi in 2006.Do you also belong to those people in India who think that she is not part of the society? Amir Khan after thinking seriously said, "No! No! I will think about it.
That is not the case.
She is part of us.
I don't know whether my visit will help to her or not" .
JPF: It will definitely help her and her cause.
Amir Khan : Let's think in the other ways I can do something for Irom Sharmila.
You can also tell me what I can do for her.
Swati (One member of the India Against Corruption) asked: Why don't you write something about her or you can also appeal to the people? Amir Khan: Yes I will do.
JPF : What is your stand on AFSPA? Amir Khan : AFSPA should be repealed.
I support Irom Sharmila! .
Another actor Raja Bundella said, " I know she has been fasting so long and people in this country do not extend support to her.
It is sad.
We should support her.
I came to know about her in more details recently from one of the programmes broadcast by Times Now.
AFSPA is like army rule.
It should be repealed.
With this act what is the difference between India and Pakistan, Afghanistan and China? Look at what is happening in Kashmir.
It is really sad.
Famous film director, Rajkumar Hirani also extended his concern for Irom Sharmila.
He said, "she must be living a painful life.
I should definitely do something for her.
I don't know much about the cause she is fighting.
Please send me through mail about the struggle she is fighting for.
We will do definitely" .
Dinker Kapoor, national spokesperson of the Jan Sangharsh Morcha, a civil society organization also informed that the organization has taken a decision to support Irom Sharmilla and her cause.
Interacting with around 30 print and electronic mediapersons, they informed that they would be supporting Irom Sharmila if any programme is organized in Delhi.
Well known sociologist, Dr Yogendra Yadav said it was very sad that she remains unnoticed by the people in general.
It was because of the insensitivity of the people in general in this country.
It was very sad to think about the present status of her.
AFSPA should be repealed.
Repealing AFSPA will be very much part of the movement for democracy in India, social activist Medha Patkar informed JPF that they would extend their support for the fight against AFSPA.
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