Police picks up Arambam Robita, another Manipuri to sit on hunger strike after Irom Sharmila

Imphal: 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). [caption id=“attachment_2954528” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Irom Sharmila. CNN-News18[/caption] Robita told media persons that she decided to fast like activist Irom Sharmila who started fasting on 4 November, 2000 demanding the repeal of AFSPA and finally ended it on 9 August. However almost all NGOs, women’s organisations and activists had urged her not to fast mainly due to her having two daughters and opposition from Robita’s husband Arabam Hera. Despite the urging, Robita launched the 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 the AFSPA was enforced in the hill areas much earlier to contain the insurgency by the Naga rebels, it was on 8 November, 1980 that it was imposed in the valley areas. Despite Sharmila’s campaign, it has continued in Manipur.