As a response to our call, many people observed fast at their workplace and home, to express solidarity with Irom Sharmila.
Today is the birth date of Irom Sharmila; she was born on 14th March 1972. She has inspired many people across the world through her non violent struggle that she started 15 years ago at the age of 28. She is on a hunger strike and her fast has become longest hunger strike.
Participants who gathered at the fasting venue condemned the repression of the Indian State, and demanded that AFSPA and other black laws should be repealed immediately.
Participants from LRS pointed to the fact that our Constitution justifies anti-people laws like AFSPA, UAPA saying that "reasonable restrictions" can be applied to fundamental rights. Also these laws are a continuation of the colonial policy of depriving people of their fundamental rights through draconian laws such as the Defence of India Act applied against the activists of Hindustani Ghadar Party.
Organisers also submitted memorandum to Prime Minister of India demanding repeal AFSPA and immediate release of Irom Sharmila, quashing charges of section 309 from her from cases lodged in Manipur and Delhi. Memorandum also states the BJP state leadership promise of repealing AFSPA that was done before parliamentary elections.
