Imphal, Oct 21 : The working committee of the Apunba Lup, while strongly condemning Wednesday's attack on a meeting held at the national capital in solidarity with Irom Sharmila Chanu's unrelenting campaign against AFSPA, has warned the perpetrators not to repeat such an act in the future.
A conglomerate of several civil bodies of Manipur, the Apunba Lup is currently spearheading the people's campaign against the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives sweeping powers to the armed forces to shoot on mere suspicion. The Lup was formed in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama Devi by Assam Rifles soldiers in July 2004 in Imphal East.
Suspected Hindu right wing activists, numbering over 20, had reportedly attacked the public meeting held at Delhi University campus on Wednesday. During the unprecedented onslaught, the attackers in an apparent bid to disrupt the gathering, hurled tomatoes and potatoes at Sharmila supporters.
Some of the perpetrators sporting black head bands shouted slogans in support of the Indian Army and ostracizing Manipur.
After a verbal showdown between the perpetrators and the campaign supporters, a physical confrontation followed between the attackers and the meeting organizers before the arrival of Delhi Police.
"We strongly condemn the unwanted act triggered by vested interests. It was an act against humanity," said Elangbam Johnson, assistant coordinator of the working committee of Apunba Lup.
"We warn the perpetrators not to repeat such a barbaric act in the future and if so they should face all consequences arising out of it," Johnson added. He said the Apunba Lup will continue to struggle against the oppressive military act.
Before the Delhi meeting was started, volunteers of 'Save Democracy, Repeal AFSPA' welcomed Sharmila's supporters in New Delhi.
Demanding repeal of the army Act, Sharmila (39) has been on a hunger strike since November 5, 2000. She embarked on her extraordinary mission a couple of days after Assam Rifles personnel mowed down 10 civilians, including a child bravery award winner, near a bus stand in Imphal West. She is being forced-fed through her nose by the government at the security ward of Jawaharlal Nehru hospital, close to her Konpal Kongkham Leikai residence in Imphal East.
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