Anti-AFSPA activists begin hunger strike

New Delhi, Nov 23 (UNI) Anti-Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) activists today began a hunger strike to pressurise the Government to repeal the legislation.

As many as 68 activists started the fast in support of anti- AFSPA activist Irom Sharmila, who is on a hunger strike since November 2, 2000. The Act is in force in Manipur.

''AFSPA is one of the most draconian legislation that Parliament has ever passed.... The Act violates the basic parameters of Human rights by giving security forces complete impunity,'' activist K Onil said.

He said recurrent violation of human rights by security forces should be immediately stopped.

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