Imphal, January 02 2008: "My daughter wished to become a nurse and serve sick and elderly persons", recalled Radhamani whose daughter Robita was killed in firing by security forces at Pangei in 2002 .

Taking part in the relay hunger strike being staged at Porompat PDA complex since December 10 last under the aegis of the Sharmila Kanba Lup, Radhamani prayed that no such cruel fate that shattered her life may ever befall upon any mother.

Demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 from all Manipur and to save the life of Irom Sharmila, Radhamani from Waiton said that it was spine chilling and heart breaking to recall the day when the dead body of Robita who was always lively and energetic was brought home.

It was in one unexpected moment that Robita who went out for college fell to the bullets of security forces on that fateful day, she lamented.

The moment was a cruel blow to Radhamani who had already lost her husband.

It literally turned her life upside down.

She had only two children, a daughter and a son.

But one man-made tragedy or a cruel stroke of fate had robbed off her only daughter.

"For the loss of my child, I was given Rs one lakh as ex-gratia by the Government.

But I cannot help remembering my daughter whenever I see my brother's daughter who has now completed nursing course and entered service".

Today's relay hunger strike was participated by Waiton Women Development Nishabandh Association, Haotan Meira Paibi Lup, Waiton Meira Paibi Nupi Lup, Khurai Nandeibam Leikai Meira Paibi Lup and NH 53 Kanglei Ching-Tam Leima Lup.

Speaking in today's leg of the relay hunger strike Nupi Samaj president K Taruni questioned as to how long mothers of Manipur should live with fear and threat every moment for the safety of their children.

Noting that every mother this day is preoccupied with the persistent thought whether their sons/daughters would fall victim to bomb blasts, whether they would be caught in cross-fire or whether they would be pronounced guilty after being killed, Taruni conveyed the helpless condition and predicament being faced by mothers in Manipur.

Social activist Shilleima observed that the violence and crime rates have been raising day by day since the imposition of AFSPA in Manipur although the Act was enforced to contain insurgency in the State.

She asked the authority concerned to repeal AFSPA and watch the resultant changes.

Advisor of the NH 53 Kanglei Ching-Tam Leima Lup Taruni asserted that the remaining population of Manipur that survives after 20 years would be leading a life of slavery in case the present trend of daily killings continues.

"For the sake of future generations and the life of Irom Sharmila, repeal AFSPA from all over Manipur", she cried.

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