Sobhapati Samom
IMPHAL, Sept 1 – Manipur's human rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu was shocked on being reportedly misquoted by a New Delhi-based TV channel NDTValleging her to have described Anna Hazare's accompanlished movement as 'artificial.'
Sharmila, who has been on fast since 2000, demanding the repealof the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA), in a written communication to Just Peace Foundation (JPF), a Manipur-based body promoting her campaign, clarified that she was describing the act of the leaders as artificial. And by leaders, she meant the most corrupted legislators and big business people who orchestrated the whole show for hardly a forthnight and claimed tohave brought about "the big change,",JPF said in a press release.
She also reiterated that she deeply revere and admire Anna's crusade and never felt enmity against him. She also expressed her unwillingness at giving interviews to journalists if they cause such misunderstanding, therelease added.
On the other hand, Manipur was not impressed by the Union HomeMinister PC Chidambaram's plans to have a fresh look at the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which is in force in the north eastern State and Jammu and Kashmir.
Chidambaram while replying to questions after presenting the monthly report for his Ministry, on Wednesday had indicated that a fresh attempt is being made to build consensus within the Government to amend the AFSPA.
When asked about his comment on the minister's statement, Khaidem Mani, a human right activist in Manipur said that there is nothing new in the statement. "People of Manipur are not looking for amendments but the repeal of the Act. The Act should be scrapped," he added.
Irom Singhajit, elder brother of Sharmila Chanu sharing a similar sentimentsaid, "We're demandingrepeal of the AFSPA, not just amendment.We will never changeour demand." (ASSAM TRIBUNE)
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