IMPHAL, Nov 2 - A historic day went by quietly on Sunday as human rights activist from Manipur, Irom Chanu Sharmila completed 15 years of her hunger strike demanding revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
The 42-year-old Manipuri started her fast on this day, November 2, 2000 after the massacre of 10 �innocent civilians� by Assam Rifles at Malom in Imphal, a press statement said.
The six civil society organisations organised a press meet at Manipur Press Club to show solidarity to Sharmila whose hunger strike completed 15 years. The organisations were Women Action for Development, North East Dialogue Forum, United NGOs Mission-Manipur Imphal East, Samaritan Resource Centre, People�s Platform Secretariat, Village Women Coordinating Committee and Peoples for Human Rights and Climate Change.
�We strongly demand the Government of India to release Irom Sharmila immediately and repeal AFSPA from Manipur,� the statement said.
It urged Prime Minister of India to investigate all the cases of extra-judicial execution, sexual violence against Thangjam Manorama and punish the guilty members of the Armed forces according to Indian Law and International Law.
It further urged the Government of India to provide compensation and rehabilitation to the victims.