10 day march by activists in support of Irom Sharmila

A group of activists today started a 10-day long march from the Hazratbal shrine in Kashmir Valley to express solidarity with Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila and her cause for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Led by noted social activist Medha Patkar and Magsaysay awardee Sandeep Pandey, around 25 activists from across the country began their march which will end in Manipur, where Sharmila has been on an indefinite fast for the past 10 years, demanding revocation of the AFSPA which provides immunity to security forces operating in disturbed areas.

"We salute the sacrifice of Irom. She has put her life at stake to safeguard the right to life of others. Anna Hazare's 12-day fast shook the nation, I ask this question to the people of the country as to why has not the 10 years of fast by Irom Sharmila shaken anyone," Patkar asked here before leaving for the road-trip to Manipur capital.

Irom Singhjit, the brother of Sharmila, who is also the part of the caravan, vowed to continue the anti-AFSPA campaign until the law is revoked. The caravan will pass through 10 states and is scheduled to reach Imphal on October 27.

The organisers have said that more than 70 rights groups and organisations have extended support to the campaign, demanding the Center to revoke the AFSPA from north-eastern states and Jammu and Kashmir.