Cops pick up Manipuri woman editor fasting against Afspa

Irom Sharmila went on a fast on November 4, 2000 demanding the repeal of AFSPA. She finally ended it on August 9.

Imphal west district police on Saturday picked up Arambam Robita, editor of ‘Women and Crime Journal’, a monthly magazine, for sitting on a fast-unto-death demanding the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Afspa).

Robita is a writer who has bagged international and national awards. (AFP Photo)

Robita said she decided to fast like activist Irom Sharmila. Sharmila went on a fast on November 4, 2000 demanding the repeal of AFSPA. She finally ended it on August 9.

Several NGOs, women’s organisations and activists had urged Robita not to fast primarily because of her two daughters and opposition from her husband Arabam Hera. Despite that, Robita went on a fast on the ground floor of her office at Canchipur in front of Manipur University.

Sources said the district police were asked to pick her up.

Robita is also a writer who has bagged international and national awards.

Though Afspa was enforced in the hill areas much earlier to contain the insurgency by the Naga rebels, it was on November 8, 1980 that it was imposed in the valley areas.

Despite Sharmila’s campaign it has continued in Manipur.