Irom Sharmila seeks Hazare support for AFSPA repeal

Imphal(Manipur), Aug 31 (PTI) Anti-corruption crusader
Anna Hazare has been urged to support the demand for repeal of
the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 by
Manipuri social activist Irom Sharmila, who has been on an
indefinite fast on the issue for nearly 11 years now.
Hoping that Hazare would visit North-Eastern Indian city
Imphal to support her struggle, Sharmila, 'Iron lady of
Manipur' said the Gandhian could achieve his goal because of
the support of the people.
"I will ultimately become triumphant in my struggle
as, I believe, God will certainly find ways to fulfill my
dreams," the 37-year-old Sharmila, who has been force fed
through a nasal drip for a decade by the authorities, told
reporters here.
She was sent to a hospital ward Tuesday which has
been converted to a jail for her after she was produced before
a court that extended her judicial remand for 15 days.
She is produced in court every 15 days for extension
of her judicial remand for being force-fed.
She began her fast since November 4, 2000 after Assam
Rifles personnel allegedly killed 10 persons in an encounter
with militants near the Imphal airport.
Under the provisions of the AFSPA, a non-commissioned
officer or of equivalent rank of the security forces could
arrest without a warrant and shoot a suspect, even causing
death, in a disturbed area, while enjoying legal immunity for
their actions.
Official sources said hundreds of people have been
killed in insurgency-related incidents after the enforcement
of the AFSPA on September 8, 1980.
They said over 20 militant outfits including seven
major ones operate in Manipur with some fighting for an
'independent Manipur'. Manipur merged with the union in 1949.