IMPHAL, November 6: In a show of solidarity to the indefinite hunger strike of Irom Chanu Sharmila, several women leaders of the state staged a one day hunger strike on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chak Kouba on Tuesday.
Sharmila’s fast is entering its 14th year after completing 13 years.
The one day fasting was organized by the Sharmila Kanba Lup (SKAL) at Porompat near JNIMS Imphal East district from 10 am till 4 pm.
Several women from the Rongmei community were also present at the Sharmila Kanba Lup Center during the fast.
Speaking on the sidelines of the show of support, SKAL co-convener S Momon said that the fasting was in support of Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on fasting since 2000 following the Malom massacre incident and demanding the repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from the North East and especially from the state.
She added even though brothers and sister throughout the state are gathering and enjoying their happy moments during the Ningol Chak Kouba celebrations, Irom Chanu Sharmila who is a sister of someone has been sacrificing for the cause of the people.
Sharmila has been demanding the repeal of draconian law AFSPA imposed by the Indian government to suppress UGs in the name of insurgency prone conflict area and continuing her struggle regardless of whether it is the Ningol Chakkouba.
So in support of her struggle, a one day fasting has been observed, she said.
She further continued that SKAL has been observing November 5 every year with a fast to show solidarity to Sharmila’s fast which was started on November 5, 2000.
As a citizen of India, we are entitled to the fundamental rights, however, the people of Manipur have to live with the AFSPA, 1958 which is a clear violation of the fundamental rights, she observed.
The several incidents happening in the state behind the AFSPA, is a clear sign of neglect of right to life, she continued before adding that the recent series of bomb blast is strongly condemned by the SKAL.
And such violence should not be repeated again in the future, she added.
In the evening, the Sharmila Kanba Lup also lighted candles starting from in front of the JNIMS gate to SKAL office.