Imphal, September 12 (ANI): 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.
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.
