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Christians back hunger striker campaign

Nationwide petition being organised for woman who has been fasting for nearly 11 years
Christians back hunger striker campaign
Published: September 07, 2011 06:46 AM GMT
Updated: September 07, 2011 06:47 AM GMT

Christian leaders in India have backed a nationwide campaign to mobilize support for a 37-year-old woman who has been on hunger strike for nearly 11 years. “We fully support the cause of probity in public life and a peaceful approach to problems,” said Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, supporting the cause of Irom Chanu Sharmila. She has been fasting against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which is in force in the northeastern state of Manipur. “We admire the sincerity of Anna Hazare [whose recent hunger strike caused a humiliating government climbdown on corruption] and Sharmila, who have stirred the nation with their prophetic gestures,” he added. “What will make a difference will be vigilant care that the structures of democracy are made to function right, which will include also putting the right people in the right place,” he added. The Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, a joint initiative by various organizations and movements, will mount a nationwide signature campaign from October 2 to December 10 in all state capitals and major cities of the country. The signatures will then be handed over to the president of India, Pratibha Patil, on International Human Rights Day on December 10, followed by a fast and peace march from India gate to the president’s house in New Delhi. Madhu Chandra, spokesman of North East Support Centre and Helpline, a branch of the All India Christian Council, said Sharmila deserves what she has been fighting for last 11 years. Sharmila has been demanding repeal of AFSPA which gives security forces unfettered powers. Chandra said that after the Mao Gate incident two years ago, where two youths were killed in police firing, the government has given “strong instructions to state forces to stop harassing the public after which the killings have reduced in Manipur, where on an average three people were killed every day.” Sharmila’s demand for removing AFSPA from the state is an honest struggle that Indian Government should consider, he added. Related reports: Manipur women´s two-month peaceful protest impresses many

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