Torch rallies demanding repeal of AFSPA

Imphal, Nov 6: Thousands of women from different parts of Manipur took out torch rallies last night demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958.

The rallies was taken out under the Apunba Lup Working Committee banner to commemorate the sixth year of fast-unto-death by Irom Chanu Sharmila, who had been demanding repeal of the Act since November 2000.

The rallies were peaceful and the women folk carried torch, a trade mark of the Meira Paibi (Women Torch bearer) movement of the Manipuri women.

Police officials said at some places women refused to return home after the rallies and had to control the situation by firing tear gas shells.

Large numbers of security personnel were deployed to control the situation, police sources said.

The women demanded immediate repeal of the Act which they felt was draconian as it enables the military to kill anybody on mere suspicion.

Sharmila, who had been detained by Delhi Police, is kept at the AIIMS and is being forcibly nasal fed.

UNI