IMPHAL, OCTOBER 23: Anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Sharmila, who floated a new political party to take on ruling parties in the upcoming assembly polls in the state, attended Sunday Mass at Imphal City Evangelical Church located at Mantripukhuri near Imphal on Sunday.
In her brief speech during the day’s gathering inside the church before the usual Sunday service, Sharmila, also known as a ‘Iron Lady of Manipur’ for her marathon 16-years fast, which she broke after 16 years and acknowledged as the world’s longest hunger strike demanding scrapping of AFSPA, said “There is a serious need to bring positive changes in Manipur.”
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is currently in force in some of the North eastern states and Jammu and Kashmir. The law shields army personnel from prosecution against even rape and murder charges.
Appealing to the people to be the part of the change, she expressed her happiness to attend the day’s Sunday church service apart from other activities. “We can achieve our goal only through the divine intervention,” she felt.
Forty four year old Sharmila, accompanied by her supporters, announced the formation of new party - Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) - more than two months after she broke her hunger strike demanding scrapping of the AFSPA to bring “non-violence, peace and understanding” to the north eastern states, on October 18, .
Besides Sharmila, who will be contesting from Khangabok and Khurai constituencies, Convenor Erendro Leichonbam of PRJA and social worker Phundreimayum Najima have announced to contest from Thangmeiband and Wabagai constituencies. Sharmila also expressed the hope that candidates from hills are also expected to join her party sooner or later. Two more candidates from Mayang Imphal and Yairipok will soon join her party and contest from the respective constituencies, sources added.
Dead body found: A body of a young lady believed to be in her mid twenties was found at the foothills of Nongren hill range under Lamlai police station in Manipur’s Imphal East district on Sunday. The identity of the young lady, who wore jean pant and black shirt was yet to be established till the report went to the press. The concerned Police authority has registered a case in this regard.
