IMPHAL, January 2: Irom Chanu Sharmila today said a plebiscite on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 should be held for the people to decide whether the Act should continue or not.
Speaking to media persons after she was produced before the court of the CJM Imphal West A Noutuneshori Devi here today, the anti-AFSPA crusader said her movement against the Act will continue.
Sharmila who was sent to further judicial remand for another 15 days also said she has received more than 8000 New Year wishes from around the world.
She continued since she is unable to reply individually to each and every one of the well-wishers, she would like to wish them back through the media.
Sharmila said although she has been conferred with the Guangzhou Award which is one of the highly regarded award concerning Human Rights issues, she said that the State government continues to remain silent and blinded on the issue.
She continued now she has been fasting for more than 15 years demanding repeal of the Act.
The government’s continued silence against the dreaded Act is unfortunate, when in South Korea even a jail (the Geoje Prison) has become a tourist spot, she lamented.
Sharmila further calls for a collective and mass support to the anti-AFSPA movement.
She will be produced before the court again on January 16.
Meanwhile, it may be mentioned that out of the total 16 prosecution witnesses including Sharmila of the case, one had submitted his statement on December 19, 2015. The CJM had aso suggested the remaining other prosecution witnesses to submit their statements on January 16.
It may also be mentioned that Sharmila is also slated to appear before the Patiala Court on February 3 and 4.
