Sit-in-protests, hunger strike and demonstrations joined by students, civil society organisations and human rights activists were held in Manipur to express solidarity with social activist Irom Chanu Sharmila whose fast demanding repeal of the AFSPA, 1958 from the state entered its 15th year.

Irom Sharmila has been on fast demanding the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from Manipur since November 5, 2000, after ten civilians were killed in an 'encounter' by Assam Rifles personnel at Malom area near Imphal airport on November 2, 2000.

Human rights activists from several parts of the country and abroad took part in yesterday's programmes across Manipur yesterday, spokespersons of Just Peace Foundation, Human Rights Alert and Apunba Manipur Matam Eshel Kanglup, a major social organisation in the state, said. The protestors also demanded repeal of the AFSPA from the other north eastern states and Jammu and Kashmir.

Read the Rediff special: Meeting Irom Sharmila here