Students fast for human rights

Irom Sharmila is a civil rights activist and journalist from the state of Manipur. She has been fasting since November 4, 2000 till date, demanding the withdrawal of Armed Forces (special powers) Act (AFSPA).

In order to commemorate International Human Rights day which falls on December 10, a hunger fast in solidarity with Irom Sharmila was organised at MG square on Wednesday. The participants came together to fight against ASFPA and other repressive laws in the state of Manipur.

K P Sasi, a documentary film maker, said, “AFSPA is undemocratic and unconstitutional. It is the responsibility of the entire civil society all over the country to see to the removal of ASFPA.”

He further added that ASFPA had increased insurgency and most people who had been killed had nothing to do with insurgency.

Over 100 students from SJC joined together and raised the slogan ‘Speak up and stop discrimination’

Phurpa, a participant from SJC said, “This is a very effective way to bring about awareness and show the underlined problems that exist in Manipur.”

R Manohar, head of programme, SICHREM said, “Stop human rights violation and restore justice, peace and democracy.”

- Srividya I M S Com