Thursday, December 11, 2008

Indefinite hunger strike in Manipur

An indefinite hunger-strike began Wednesday here at Porompat PDA complex, by a group of women under the banner of the Sharmila Kanba Lup, a body imparting moral support to Sharmila, dubbed as "Iron lady of Manipur" who has been on fast-unto-death for the last eight-years but being forced fed intravenously.

The hunger strike coincides with the International Human Rights Day being observed by Manipur along with the rest of the world.

The hunger-strike will be staged on rotation basis by 60 women from different parts of the state, according to the organizers.

"We will continue our stir batch by batch by 60 women till government responds to our call for repeal of Armed Forces (Special) Power Act 1958 and save our daughter Sharmila," said Taruni, convener of the Sharmila Kanba Lup.

The organizers claimed to have received support from various women organizations across the state assuring them of participating in the hunger-strike by sparing one day in the coming days.
Co-convener of the body, Janaki threatened to launch more effective and intensified forms of agitations if government remained silent during the hunger-strike.

The women leaders condemned the government's inaction for eight-years without any positive action to save Sharmila.

Stating that the time has come for all sections of the society to press the government to repeal AFSPA, the women body called upon other civil organizations to lend their support.
Meanwhile, as part of observation of the day, hundreds of women under the banner of the All Manipur Nupi Marup rallied in Imphal demanding the passing of 33.33% Women Reservation Bill in the Winter Session of the Parliament.
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