Remove AFSPA from Manipur, Irom Sharmila’s objective remains the same

In her party's election manifesto, Irom Chanu Sharmila of Manipur has promised to repeal AFSPA from the state.

Imphal, Feb 24: Last year, Irom Chanu Sharmila broke her 16 years fast and joined mainstream politics. As a politician also the Iron Lady of Manipur (as she is popularly known) kept her 'core issue' same--to repeal the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act--from the northeastern state.

While releasing her party's election manifesto for the upcoming state assembly elections on Thursday, Irom promised that she and her party will work for the revocation of the AFSPA and will redraft the Inner Line Permit system.

Irom, who has founded the People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance party last year, filed her nomination papers from Thoubal constituency of the state recently. Irom is contesting the election against Congress leader and three-time chief minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh.

She told local reporters that the very idea of joining politics is to remove the AFSPA from the state. She said, "I have not given up on my campaign against the AFSPA. I have merely changed the strategy."

The peace activist-turned-politician was on a fast-unto-death since November 4, 2000, demanding the repeal of the AFSPA which gives carte blanche to the security forces while combating the insurgents. According to reports, because of the AFSPA more than 1,500 alleged extra-judicial killings were reported in the state in the last three decades.

Manipur is scheduled to go to polls in two phases on March 4 and 8. As a part of the election campaign, Irom is regularly seen campaigning on her bicycle wearing a cap to protect her from the sun and dust.

OneIndia News