‘End of Irom Sharmila’s epic fast does not relieve Indian state of its duty to repeal AFSPA’
Delhi, August 9 (MExN): North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) has called upon the masses to take up the struggle against the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
Hitting out at the Indian Government, NEFIS in a press release stated that despite the 16-year fast by Irom Sharmila demanding the removal of the draconian act being one of the most peaceful mode of resistance, the Indian Government “remained apathetic” and continues to “perpetrate brutalities”.
Wishing its best to Irom Sharmila, who put an end to her epic fast today, NEFIS stated, “The need of the hour is to unleash a massive people’s movement against AFSPA.”
Irom Sharmila began her fast as a mark of protest against AFSPA, the provisions of which have been used by the Indian Army to use draconian measures including killings and encounters, against Indian people. The act gives soldiers sweeping powers to arrest or interrogate people in "disturbed areas" or states dealing with separatists or insurgents.
“However, this ending of fast does not relieve Indian State of its duty to repeal the draconian AFSPA act,” the forum maintained.
“The state should ensure that she gets regular health-checkups, as the coming months are crucial for her well being and make arrangements for her proper rehabilitation,” it also added.
Seeking to clear misgivings among people that Irom Sharmila’s decision to withdraw her fast and enter electoral politics will jeopardize the movement against AFSPA, NEFIS expressed belief that everyone is free to chalk out one’s strategy and wished her the best. “But we also believe that the electoral politics will not yield any gains for the movement,” it added.
NEFIS cited the interim observation of the Supreme Court (SC) condemning the large scale killings in Manipur in the guise of self defence while dealing with insurgency or militants as unacceptable, and stated the observation of the SC has already given a moral vindication to the people’s struggle against AFSPA.
“The scrapping of this draconian AFSPA act, as the final aim of our struggle will remain and Supreme Court’s observation will act as a moral font for the mass movement in the coming future,” the forum maintained.
