Christians back woman hunger striker fasting for nearly 11 years
(Sept. 07, 2011) Christian leaders in India have backed a nationwide campaign to
mobilize support for a 37-year-old woman who has been on hunger strike for nearly
11 years. “We fully support the cause of probity in public life and a peaceful approach
to problems,” said Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, Assam, supporting
the cause of Irom Chanu Sharmila. She has been fasting against the Armed Forces Special
Powers Act - AFSPA, which is in force in the northeastern state of Manipur. “We admire
the sincerity of Anna Hazare, whose recent hunger strike caused a humiliating government
climbdown on corruption, and Sharmila, who have stirred the nation with their prophetic
gestures,” he added. “What will make a difference will be vigilant care that the
structures of democracy are made to function right”, he said.. The Save Sharmila
Solidarity Campaign, a joint initiative by various organizations and movements, will
mount a nationwide signature campaign from October 2 to December 10 in all state capitals
and major cities of the country. The signatures will then be handed over to the president
of India, Pratibha Patil, on International Human Rights Day on December 10, followed
by a fast and peace march from India gate to the president’s house in New Delhi. Madhu
Chandra, spokesman of North East Support Centre and Helpline, a branch of the All
India Christian Council, said Sharmila deserves what she has been fighting for last
11 years. Sharmila has been demanding repeal of AFSPA which gives security forces
unfettered powers.