The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 2: A statewide capaign on festival of Hope, Justice and Peace organised by the Justice Foundation Manipur in support of the agitation by Irom Chanu Sharmila was inaugurated by Mahosweta Devi, Magsaysay Award winner and Doyen of Indian literature this afternoon at JN Dance Academy, in commemoration of completing nine years fast unto death agitation of Irom Chanu Sharmila demanding the repeal of the AFSPA from the state.

Mahosweta Devi, said the campaign will continue till November 6 in various parts of the state adding it is quite appropriate to call the 21st Century as the Century of Irom Sharmila for her endless courageous stands for the welfare of humanity.

Appreciating the spirits of honest sacrifice made by Sharmila for the welfare and safeguard of the people of the state demanding total repeal of AFSPA, she said Sharmila`s courageous spirits should not be forgotten by the people of the state as well by the country.

"Her agitation is not for the cause for her popularity but for the welfare of the people of the state", she said.

She further said that in fact Mahatma Gandhi resorted to non violent agitation in order to achieve welfare of the people of the country, a goal remarkably similiar to Sharmila`s.

Later, the Magsaysay winner released a book title `Burning Bright` written by Dipti Priya on the life story and struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila during the function this afternoon.

She assured that such a book should be translated into various Indian languages so as to enable the people of the country to know the struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila for the cause of human rights violations and for the repeal of AFSPA from Manipur state.

Dipti Priya, the author of the `Burning Bright` who also attend the function said her book on Irom Sharmila is basically to highlight the spiritual powers and extraordinary courage of Irom Chanu Sharmila in her struggle for the cause of humanity.

She expressed her appreciation for the chance to be with Sharmila while Sharmila staged her agitation at Delhi a few year back.

The inaugural function was attended by several representatives of civil society organisations and meira paibis and well wisher.