Fast: Will Anna support Irom Sharmila? North-East ignored?

Imphal, Aug 24: Anna Hazare's indefinite fast entered ninth day on Wednesday, Aug 24 and the government along with the nation seems to have been stirred up. Crucial members of the government seem busy in persuading Anna to break his fast. The activities among the political leaders clearly show the "discriminate attitude" towards another crusader - Irom Sharmila who has been continuing her fast since last ten years in Manipur.

The "ignored crusader" - Irom, who is also well-known as "Iron lady", reportedly sent a letter to the Gandhian crusader seeking support for her cause to withdraw controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, from Manipur.

In her letter to Anna, Irom Sharmila reportedly ruled out an unconditional support and has spoken about the need for reciprocity from Team Anna towards her cause.

Citing the situation, many started speculating - will Anna extend his helping hands towards Irom Sharmila? Sharmila, who has been under house arrest at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Imphal, had her last voluntary meal on Nov 4, 2000. She started her agitation to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives the military powers such as the right to arrest suspected militants without a warrant and to shoot anyone suspected of being a rebel.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act is being implemented in the terrorism dominated states in India and the soldiers are bestowed with tremendous power to tackle the militants. Sharmila lives in Manipur, the north east state which faces enough trouble - both from the army and the militants. Experiencing the draw-backs of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Sharmila began her long-battle to protest the anti-terror law.

OneIndia News