'There is a joke that is cracked in hushed tones sometimes in Manipur, what would many of the insurgent outfits do if AFSPA is indeed taken away? What would they fight against?'
A caravan comprising about 20-22 people will cover 10 states to extend support to Irom Sharmila's protest against Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. K Anurag reports.
Irom Sharmila Chanu was re-arrested on March 8, a day after she was released from the security ward of JN Hospital in Imphal for continuing her fast unto death in protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Irom Sharmila was arrested at the Meira Shang near Aka Tren playground where she was protesting. The 'Iron Lady' was taken into custody under IPC Section 309 for attempting to commit suicide.
The Iron Lady of Manipur, who has been on hunger strike for 11 years against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, is an ordinary woman fighting an extraordinary struggle, finds Sumit Bhattacharya.
Irom Sharmila with Magsaysay Award winner Sandeep Pandey.
Hundreds of supporters of 'Iron Lady' Irom Sharmila, whose indefinite hunger-strike for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act entered 11 years on Saturday, fasted in Imphal and across the country.
Many people will be fasting in Imphal, Manipur from September 13 while hundreds from different countries in the world have signed the petition to fast for varying number of days (one to five) to support the 'Iron lady' from Manipur -- Irom Sharmila.
On the eve of the elections, we take a look at what drives the Manipuri vote.
Sharmila, who contested from Thoubal constituency against Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh was relegated to the fourth position.
Activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, who was on Monday charged with attempting suicide for her fast unto death here in 2006 while demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, said she is following Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence and should not be "discriminated" against.
Tubes gone, Irom Sharmila the brand is dead. As long as she was trying to kill herself, she had value to the cynics trying to build their careers over her fast, says Shekhar Gupta.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been extended for six months in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh due to the prevailing law and order situation.
The anti-Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) Srinagar-Imphal yatra took off from capital Srinagar on Sunday afternoon with prominent social activists in the lead.
Irom Sharmila's decision to end her 16-year-old fast against the AFSPA continues to be hotly debated and contested in Imphal.
The Supreme Court on Saturday gave the Punjab government time till December 31 to persuade farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month, to shift to hospital.
Sharmila said a section of people even wanted her 'martyrdom' during the 16-year old fast against the AFSPA that she decided to end last year.
Officials said the EC has directed them to provide security to Sharmila as 'she travels alone almost all the time'.
The year 2011 kept the troubled state of Manipur in the news over an unprecedented economic blockade imposed on the state populace by two agitating organisations for about 120 days since August 1 while the fasting anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Sharmila completed 11 years of struggle in confinement demanding withdrawal of the 'Draconian Act' that continued to remain in force in her state.
Colonel (Dr) Anil Athale (retd) on why AFSPA should not be repealed in parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The core group of Anna Hazare's team would discuss invitations to Kashmir and Manipur during its meeting on September 10 and 11 at Anna's village Ralegan Siddhi.
The solidarity demonstration and the fast is being organised by rights activists to attract global glare on the unabated human rights violation in the conflict zone of the Northeast by security forces empowered by the AFSPA.
The AFSPA, often criticised as a draconian law, gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary.
'The government needs to think if a draconian, outdated and colonial law is needed in a democratic, multi religious, diverse country governed by a democratic government.'
In her post, which has since gathered thousands of 'likes' and 234 shares, she raises the question of whether only cultural exchanges should be affected by 'nationalism' and shouldn't business houses and Industrialists also show solidarity with the soldiers who've lost their lives?
'The State uses identity politics as part of divide and rule; the militant groups too use identity politics and civil society groups are also divided along ethnic groups.'
The BJP cobbles up the numbers to stake a claim to form a government in Imphal. But ruling the restive state won't be easy, says Chitra Ahanthem.
A protest happens because the State doesn't follow its own laws. A protest is an objection and a complaint. It exists because it is otherwise unheard, observes Aakar Patel.
Security presence which has been bolstered by flying in more army troops and rapid action force and central police forces was clearly visible at all major areas and roads.
A much larger number of candidates could garner less than 500 votes each.
A four-time MLA from Heingang sssembly constituency, 56-year-old Biren Singh joined the Bharatiya Janata Party last year.
The Centre has reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur's six police station areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam.
Rediff Labs analysed the 2012 Manipur assembly election results and merged it with the 2014 Lok sabha election result to develop a Sentiment Meter for the 2017 electoral battle.
The Home Ministry has recommended against repealing the controversial AFSPA, dubbed by its critics as "draconian".
Here's a recap of the events from the past 24 hours.
She said she no longer believes that her fast will lead to the repeal of the 'draconian' AFSPA but she will continue the fight.
Here's a recap of events that occurred in India in the past 24 hours.
Polling was held in 1,643 polling stations in 38 constituencies across the twin districts of Imphal East and Imphal West, Bishnupur and the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.
Irom Sharmila, the rights activist who formed a party recently, was unable to garner any significant votes.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday said the people of his state, including himself, want the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act but only after mutual understanding with the Centre as national security is their top priority.
A recap of events that occurred in India in the past 24 hours.
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