Film festival to demand repeal of AFSPA

Imphal, Oct 23 (UNI) Demanding the repeal of AFSPA 1958, Human Rights Alert (HRA) along with Sangat South Asia and many other organisations will organise a special film festival here.

The festival would be held from October 31 to November 2 at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 (AFSPA).

HRA executive director Babloo said the women who were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005 would be participating in the campaign.

State's 'Iron Lady', Irom Sharmila, was one among them, he added.

Films on women related issues along with human rights related documents would be showcased at the festival, he said.

Irom Sharmila had been on fast unto death demanding repeal of the AFSPA since November 2000. She was recently detained by Delhi Police and forcibly nasal fed to keep her alive.

The Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee had also recommended the repeal of the Act, sources said.

Union Minister Oscar Fernandes had also announced earlier during a meeting with Sharmila that the Centre would take a decision on the matter before the Parliament's Winter session.

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