Imphal residents take part in silent anti-AFSPA rally

Imphal, Sep 13  : Hundreds of people took part in a silent rally here on September 11.

It was to mark their solidarity with Irom Sharmila, an iconic figure, who has been on an indefinite fast, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that they termed as draconian in nature.

The AFSPA gives uniformed forces arbitrary powers to nab suspects and even fire at them while enjoying immunity from prosecution.

On the 53rd anniversary of the President's assent to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958, people had waged a demonstration to show support to India's Iron lady Irom Sharmila, activist who has been on fast for the past one decade, demanding the repeal of this act.

AFSPA shields the armed forces operating in the regions declared 'disturbed area' from any legal action.

Speaking to the media persons Anandi Khangenbam, Trustee of Just Peace Foundation that has spearheaded Irom Sharmila's cause expressed her grief as people continue to suffer in the region.

"Both the central and state governments have been neglecting to solve this problem. Sharmila has been on fast from the last 10 years, but till now the problem remains unsolved. So, through this rally we want to give a message that this long pending AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) should be withdrawn and we want to ask international Human Rights agencies to look into this issue," said Khangenbam.

The silent march was flagged off from the office of activist Irom Sharmila and passed through the hospital where Sharmila has been held in isolation on charges of attempt to commit suicide.

However, the security personnel did not allow the protesting sympathisers of Irom Sharmila to meet her.

Irom Sharmila started her fast in November 2000, protesting against the killing of ten civilians, allegedly by personnel of the Assam Rifles, a paramilitary outfit.

She has repeatedly been arrested and released on charges of 'attempt to suicide' under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.

She is forcibly fed through a feeding tube in her nose, much against her wishes.

The AFSPA enacted in 1958, empowers defence personnel in 'disturbed areas' such as Manipur and Kashmir, to search premises and arrest people without warrants, and to shoot to kill if they feel the situation requires it.

This Act has triggered massive debates and accusations of human rights abuse against successive governments.