Jan Caravan reaches Guwahati

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign has organized a 4500 kms Jan Caravan from Jammu to Imphal. The Caravan of about 20 people is resolute to spread the word of Irom Sharmila over 10 states.

The Caravan reached Guwahati on 26th October.

In Guwahati, there will be a conference at the press club.

In the evenning, the Caravan will leave for Imphal, the ultimate destination of the Caravan.

The Caravan has covered 8 states till now.

Srinagar to Imphal Save Sharmila Yatra reaches Varanasi on 22nd October 2011

Press Release

Srinagar to Imphal Save Sharmila Yatra

reaches Varanasi on 22nd October 2011

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign(SSSC) has organized a Jan Caravan from Jammu to Imphal to support Irom Sharmila, a Manipuri poet and activist who has been on a fast for 11 years for repeal of AFSPA. The Caravan will cover 10 states. The Caravan has people from different parts of the country. Irom Sharmila’s brother Singhajit is also part of the Caravan.

The Caravan of around 25 people reached Varanasi on 22nd October 2011. The Caravan stayed at Patel Dharamshala.

A seminar on Irom Sharmila and “Security Laws in India and position of human rights activists’ was held at conference hall of the Patel Dharamshala from 10 to 12 PM. The seminar was organized by the Sajha Sanskriti Manch which is a network of 54 local ngos. The speakers included Niti Bhai of Lok Chetna Samiti, Shabbir Bhai, Arvind Skhrwal, and Mahendra Bhai.

Niti Bhai remarked, “In the land of Gandhi, the voice of a true Gandhian should not be neglected”. Arvind Skhrwal added, “Save Sharmila, Save Democracy”. Mahendra Bhai argued that, “If the Government can consider talks with naxals, then why can’t with Irom Sharmila”. The seminar received a good response. 

After lunch, there was a march from Patel Bhawan to Kashi Vidyapeeth. The march saw about 200 people. This was followed by another seminar where one of the Kashmir interlocutor, Mr. Ansari was also present.

The Caravan will now move towards Patna. It has covered Jammu, Srinagar, Ludhiana, Panipat, Delhi, Aligarh, Kanpur and Lucknow. From Patna, it will then go to Ranchi, Kolkata, Guwahati and then finally to Imphal on 27^th October 2011. 

Date: 21 Octobeter KARWAN met People of Kanpur & Lucknow

PRESS RELEASE

 

Date: 21 Octobeter KARWAN met People of Kanpur & Lucknow

 

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign(SSSC) has organized a Jan Caravan from Jammu to Imphal to support Irom Sharmila, a Manipuri poet and activist who has been on a fast for 11 years for repeal of AFSPA.

The Caravan of around 25 people reached Kanpur on 21st October 2011. Local activities was organized by Mahesh Bhai of Asha Parivar. The caravan was welcomed by hundreds of civil rights activists, the Student Islamic Organization and the general public. The Caravan then marched till the Bharat Mata Chowk.

A public meeting was held at the Harihar Shastri Bhawan. The speakers included noted hindi writer andPadmashree recipient Giriraj Kishore told that democracy needs such brave steps from the side of public. He told that I can understand that 4500 km. journey is not so easy and in spite of that courage of the karwan people show that people are there in society who want to work without any desire of advantage. He told that he is very fortunate to welcome such a group of people.

Mahesh Bhai of Asha Parivar told that we all in asha parivar welcome all such initiatives that focus on values. Values of democracy, peace and justice are most required to live the life without fear. Faisal Khan informed that karwan has covered 7 cities till now and going ahead without fear. we all believe that ignorance is not a soluation and thus government should initiate a positive dialogue of peace with Irom Sharmila as soon as possible. Arvind Skhrwal added that in a democracy, everyone has the right to raise their voice and get heard. We will fight for our demand that is start of talk with Irom.

The Kanpur event saw an amazing response and renewed the hopes.

Karwan then moved towards Lucknow, where it was welcomed at Central Academy by hundreds of students and parents of a school. A press meet cum public meeting was being organized at auditorium of Central Academy, Ashiana, Lucknow.

Noted activist and Megsesay awardee Dr. Sandeep Pandey was also present there and told that students should get involved in social issues through all available means . parents should also focus on all round development of their wards and here it becomes very important to teach them about happenings in society. Irom Sharmila’s struggle has become a symbol of peaceful protest. She has ecvery right to be heard and government must listen and talk with her as soon as possible.

Advocate Shoaib of lucknow, who is also famous for their fight for social causes, told that the law (AFSPA) violates the basic human rights.

Retired Colonel Kulbhushan Avadh told that even many army personals want to repeal the law because general people start hate with army persons and live in fear. People to people relation should based on co existence without fear. We all appeal with government to start the talk with Irom Ji. Irom’s fight not for herself but for the people, for the land, for the democracy.

Bobby Ramakant told that people were not aware about Irom, but only after start of this campaign, gradually awareness is spreading.  Now, anyone who know about Irom, supports her. Her sacrifice is so big and peaceful that no one can question on that. We all should apread this awareness among others too to support her.

Other karwan people told that this journey filled their hearts with joy and tears. They told that they met with people of various states, with varying culture but they found that everywhere, love is common. They all loved us, supported us and we all are very thankful for them. We hope that this campaign must bring the change in government’s attitude.

It is noted that Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign launched a nationwide protest to support Irom Sharmila and this campaign has its specific demands.  After start of its first Nationwide Signature Campaign, now campaign started its journey from Srinagar to Imphal that is a 4500 km journey and will travel through 10 states for spreading awareness among people and then to get their support for demands of the campaign.

 Demands of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign are : To start positive steps of talk with Irom and to listen her demand seriously, to send all party delegation to Manipur to meet Irom and people of Manipur and to send members of NWC/NHRC to investigate cases of atrocities.

Srinagar to Imphal Jan Karawan reached Aligarh 20 OCTOBER

Arrival at Aligarh on 20 October 2011 10:00 AM

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 20 OCT 2011

Aligarh

Srinagar to Imphal Jan Karawan reached Aligarh and welcomed by hundreds of students and activists today as part of their 4500 Km journey to spread awareness about Irom Sharmila and her hunger strike. The Karwan is organized by Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign which is a joint initiative of various social organizations and movements who are extending their solidarity towards the cause. Irom Sharmila, a Manipuri poet and activist has been fasting for more than 10 years to repeal AFSPA ( Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958) which gives army and paramilitary forces unquestioned power to kill or detain anybody on the basis of suspicion.

Karwan of 25 activists (who are from various states of India) marched from Railway Station to Media Centre through roads of Aligarh. A public meeting was organized at the Media center where Mr. Faisal Khan, Member of Save sharmila solidarity campaign revealed the purpose of this karawan. ‘ Irom sharmila is a denied Gandhian in the land of Gandhi. But adhering to Gandhian principle, we are spreading awareness about her in a peaceful way by reaching to hundreds in the interior of this country.’

Jasim Bhai of Aligarh, who was local organizer of the campaign in Aligarh told that Irom is struggling not only for Manipur but, it is her fight for democracy and human values. Professor Raza Ullah Khan of AMU also spoke at the meet and stressed on how the resent in general public is growing as the awareness spreads and in no time, this movement will become ‘people’s movement’ rather than a movement of ‘north- east state movement.’ Balwant Yadav told that it is the time when democratic values are in demand for a fair and free world, and at this time, this ignorance from government side is shameful for the country because India is famous for its values. Satya Prakash Bharat, who is a well known activists and famous for his cycle journey with Baba Amte also travelling in karwan to express his support for the campaign. He told that campaign is spreading awareness and we are happy to see that people who even don’t know about Irom till know, are happy to express their support when they understand the whole issue through our speeches, public meetings and pamphlets distribution programs.

Members of karwan are very enthusiastic. Members include senior gandhians such as Suresh Bhai (76 years) and even youths like Shabbir of 20 years. Mr. Arvind Sakirwal, activist of Gwalior from OJUS also a part of 25 members travelling till Imphal.

Devika Mittal (Member of National Coordination Committee, Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign) told that the group begun its journey from Srinagar and has till now covered Ludhiana, Panipat, Karnal and Delhi. In Delhi, the group was attacked by ABVP right wing extremists during their peaceful march in Delhi University but in spit of it members are moving with all courage to join the hearts of people in a peaceful way.

Total 10 states will be covered by this karwan and around 4500 km distance will be covered. The karawan will reach Imphal on 27^th October and meet Irom Sharmila.

departure from ALIGARH 02:00 PM 20 October

Srinagar to Imphal Jan Karawan reached Delhi 19 OCTOBER 2011

Departure from Panipat at 7:00 AM 19 October

Arrival at New Delhi on 19 October 2011 10:00 AM

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 19 OCT 2011

Delhi

Srinagar to Imphal Jan Karawan reached Delhi yesterday as part of their 4500 Km journey to spread awareness about Irom Sharmila and her hunger strike. The Karwan is organized by Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign which is a joint initiative of various social organizations and movements who are extending their solidarity towards the cause.

The group led by social activists Faisal Khan reached Delhi University, Art faculty where they were welcomed by an another similar organization ‘Save Democracy, Repeal AFSPA’, and a public meeting was organized by Save Democracy Repeal AFSPA which was attended by around 100 youngters from the University. Seram Rojesh, member of Repeal AFSPA spoke about how important it is to have groups like these to come together and fight for peace and justice. More than this being a fight for Irom Sharmila or repealing AFSPA, it is a fight to save the democracy of this country.

“This is for the first time when such a journey is being organized by civilians to protect democratic values and Gandhian values. Never has it happened that to fight for a woman far in north east, so many people from different parts of states have come together. Irom has become a symbol of peace and humanity which is a language spoken by everybody regardless of what religion and language one belongs to.” Said Faisal Khan.  

Mr. Khan told that this Jan Karwan was being organised to spread awareness about Irom Sharmila and to generate public support for her. Mr. Khan told that our main objective is to make public opinion about sufferings of people who are affected by AFSPA.

Joining the Karawan is also Mr. Irom Singhjeet ji, brother of Irom Sharmila who was been equally fighting for her since she took up the fast. He said that this time he wishes that through the voices of the common man, Sharmila’s voice will be heard and hopefully justice will be done to her.

While Sharmila supporters were peacefully conducting their meeting and marching, a group of right wing extremists from ABVP marched in violently and disrupted the protest.  They claimed that such remarks were ‘anti-indian’ and that the SSC was sponsored by ISI, a Pakistan based militant group.

"We were taking out a caravan when some people came shouting slogans. They asked us to stop, and when we refused, they manhandled us and splashed black ink on our clothes,” said a karawan member.

As the situation worsened, Police called for vans to make arrest but instead of arresting the attackers, peaceful protesters and DU students were detained. All the detained students, six of them girls, were released at 6.30 pm.

After the issue was some how settled at DU, a group of yatris went to IIT Delhi to speak to the students about the issue. ‘Most of them are young students who will become the future of this country. They will work in big companies and earn a lot of money, but they also need to know the ground realities of this country.’ Said Suresh, a Gandhian and Karawan member.  He added that this struggle is not for a specific region or specific act, instead it is a struggle to protect the values.

The group then further went to JNU where they addressed the issue amongst students. A panel discussion was organized to discuss about the draconian law AFSPA. Also the yatris got a chance to share their experience of the travel. ‘people from panipat, Haryana, Gujarat are coming forward for this cause. It is not the people or the state that matters, it is the empathy and pain human feels for each other. We are here just to show our solidarity towards all who are victims and who are facing the scenario of human rights violation.’ mentioned Balwant Yadav are also travelling through all routes of yatra.

Total 10 states will be covered by this karwan and around 4500 km distance will be covered. The karawan will reach Imphal on 27^th October and meet Irom Sharmila.

Departure from New Delhi at 7:00 AM 20 October

18 OCTOBER: SRINAGAR to IMPHAL SAVE SHARMILA JAN KARWAN: PANIPAT

Arrival at Panipat 06:00 PM 18 October

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 18 OCT 2011

PANIPAT (HARYANA)

Srinagar to Imphal Save Sharmila Jan Karwan that is started from Srinagar on 16^th October reached Panipat (Haryana) at 6:00 PM after its Talawadi (Haryana) Program.

A press meet and public meeting was organized. Sh. Ram Mohan Roy (Gandhi Global Family), Sh. Ramkumar ji (Haali Panipat Trust) , Vinod Panchal (Zila Patrakar Sangh) and members of karwan addressed the public. Campaign’s karwan received huge response and local activists told that they will continue signature campaign and other related activities in support of the campaign.

Departure from Panipat at 7:00 AM 19 October

18 OCTOBER: SRINAGAR to IMPHAL SAVE SHARMILA JAN KARWAN: TALAWADI

Arrival at Talawadi 01:30 PM 18 October

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 18 OCT 2011

TALAWADI (HARYANA)

Srinagar to Imphal Save Sharmila Jan Karwan that is started from Srinagar on 16^th October reached Talawadi (Haryana) at 1:30 PM after its Ludhiana Program.

A public meeting was organized at Guru Teg Bahadur College. Sh. Mahavir Tyagi of Haryana Sarvodaya Sangh welcomed the karwan. Kawan members distributed pampahlets and talked with public and media here. Speakers told about the whole issue, AFSPA and reasons to support Irom Sharmila.

Departure from Talawadi (Haryana) 04:00 PM 18 October