IMPHAL, Feb 24 � Manipur�s anti-AFSPA campaigner and human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila has urged her supporters to show solidarity in achieving the goal when authority releases her on March 12 next.
Sharmila, after being produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate�s court here on Friday, said that she expects support and solidarity from those who support the struggle on the day she is released. She believes that a united struggle will succeed, she said.
The Iron Lady of Manipur, who has been on a hunger strike for the last 12 years for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA), was ritually arrested, freed and re-arrested on the charge of attempting to commit suicide, will be released on March 12.
Commenting on the Justice Verma�s recommendation on AFSPA, Sharmila, who has been produced in court every 15 days, said that imposition of AFSPA has created more problems instead of containing the armed movements in the region. The State Government has become �the most corrupt� under the shadow of AFSPA, she alleged.
Sharmila has been on fast since 2000, demanding the repeal of the AFSPA, which gives security personnel the power to arrest, search and shoot on mere suspicion.
