Police picks up Manipuri woman editor fasting against AFSPA

Imphal Aug 13 (IANS) 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 told media persons that she decided to fast like activist Irom Sharmila who started fasting on November 4, 2000 demanding the repeal of AFSPA and finally ended it on August 9.

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 November 8, 1980 that it was imposed in the valley areas.

Despite Sharmila's campaign it has continued in Manipur.