IMPHAL, Oct 1 � While several NGOs have launched a nation-wide campaign to support Irom Sharmila�s decade-long struggle against the controversial Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act 1958, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) has yesterday decided to launch a month-long country-wide agitation from October 1 to November 2.
CPI (ML) National Secretary KN Ramchandran speaking to mediapersons here said that they will start the agitation to show solidarity with the fast of Sharmila during which the members of the party in various States will conduct dharna, hunger strikes and mass peace rallies in major capital cities of the country adding that the party will encourage the spirit of Irom Sharmila.
A CPI(ML) leader who was here on a visit to the State told the media that his party in association with All India Revolutionary Women�s Organisation has recently organied a people convention in Orissa to extend support to the non-violent movement of Irom Sharmila for the cause of human rights. The convention also decided to urge the Central Government for the repeal of AFSPA.
The announcement of Communist leader, who also met the representatives of Sharmila Kanba Lup, a women organisation which had been staging relay hunger strikes since the past few years to support Sharmila�s campaign, came close on the heels of several NGOs in protest, signature campaign and silent procession to support Irom Sharmila�s decade-long struggle.
