Contesting from Thoubal AC not easy: Sharmila
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 01 2017: Admitting that contesting from Thoubal Assembly Constituency which is the home turf of Chief Minister O Ibobi in the ensuing 11th State Legislative Assembly election is not an easy task, Irom Sharmila who will be contesting in the much-anticipated election on People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) ticket asserted that she is contesting for the truth without fear.

Sharmila who fasted for 16 long years to demand repeal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958 from the State was addressing a public meeting held as part of her flag hoisting ceremony at her brother Irom Raghumani's residence at Kongpal Kongkham Leikai, Imphal East district today.

She maintained that the desire to root out corruption from the State and work for the people honestly led her to contest the election.

Contesting from Thoubal AC not easy: Sharmila

Emphasising on the power of public voice in a democratic country, she stated that many changes in different fields can be brought in the State if people elect dedicated and honest candidates in the coming election.

At the end of the day, it is up to the people to vote for such candidates.

If such candidates get elected then it would be a clear sign that people want change and truth, the anti-AFSPA crusader said.

CPI MP from Tripura, Jitendra Choudhury who attended the flag hoisting ceremony said that giving vote to PRJA candidates in the election is the only option to bring desirable changes and let truth prevail in the State.

He said that people have witnessed enough fake encounters, corruption and other wrongdoings under the regime of the Congress Government in the State.

Convenor of Left Democratic Front, Dr M Nara who was also present at the occasion declared that LDF will extend full support to PRJA and its three candidates including Sharmila.

He mentioned that people would continue to suffer if Congress or BJP forms the next Government.

People should ponder on the fact that if the Left party in Tripura could repeal AFSPA from their State why the draconian Act is not yet repealed from Manipur despite unabated protests, he noted.

Secretary of International Socialist Council, Deepak Mishra said that Sharmila had decided to contest the election to put an end to gun culture and corruption in the State.

He asserted that people of the country including Manipur should acknowledge the courage demonstrated by Sharmila. He said that PRJA aims at eliminating favouritism and nepotism in the State.

A large number of people from different constituencies and outside the State took part in the flag hoisting ceremony cum public meeting in support of Sharmila.

On the other hand, PRJA under the leadership of Erendro Leichombam who will be contesting the election from Thangmeiband AC took out a public rally from the constituency up to Khwairamband Keithel.

Speaking to media persons, Erendro stressed on the need for giving right guidance to the youth to elect competent candidates so as to bring changes and prosperity in the State.

He exuded confidence that PRJA candidates would emerge victorious in the election.

He added that earnest efforts will be put in to strengthen the party in the next election.