By TCN News,
Imphal: To express solidarity with rights activist Irom Sharmila who is on prolonged fast for a long period, some civil and human rights activists gathered here in the capital city of Manipur and sat on 3-day fast. They are demanding withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
The solidarity fast in support of Irom Sharmila and against Armed Forces Special Powers Act began in Purampat, Imphal today with four activists Faisal Khan and Arvind Murti (UP) from National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM), M.H. Gandhi from Asha Parivar (Gujarat) and social activist Sajjad Kargili (J&K) came to express solidarity and sat on three-day fast.
Members of civil society groups like Kanba Lup and common citizens also participated in the dharna. When the four activists from outside the state came to join, Kanba Lup activists Ema Tarumi, Ema Momon, Irom Singhjit, Sharmila’s brother and Ema Janki presented the four with the badges (with Sharmila’s picture) and black ribbons.
After 2 pm all the four members visited J.N. Hospital and met Sharmila. During their meeting they expressed their solidarity with her and also expressed regret that the government has not yet repealed AFSPA.
Members of NAPM Kerala, Ramdas M.N Giri, Anila, Augustne, S. Pakikah also visited the dharna site.
Meanwhile the Students Union at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai has also begun three-day fast in response to NAPM call from today (24th Feb). They began their fast in Mumbai outside the main campus of the institute.