The following was announced yesterday (February 18th 2010 ) at the AFSPA mini conferfence by Civic Chandran ( Writer and Activist )
Dear Friends,
India is considered to be one of the best democracies in the world. Public opinion is supposed to be the guiding principle in the functioning of all democratic systems. But, in the recent past, it is observed as a disturbing fact that the human rights violations are taking place on a wider scale and the peaceful protest movements against these violations are being branded as anti-govt and terrorist/violent. Govt at all levels tried to suppress these people's initiatives using state force and leaders are put behind the bars without proper trial. Many such cases can be pointed out.
One example is Sharmila Irom, who is jailed at Imphal, for the last ten years, just for demanding the govt for the withdrawal of the draconian 'Special Armed Forces Act' in Manipur and other north-eastern states. She has witnessed excesses done in the state on a wider scale and women are raped by the forces, so the act should be withdrawn immediatley. Still the authorities has not taken any initiative to talk to her and find out a suitable solution.
'Hind Swaraj Centenary Committee of Kerala', wish to highlight this cause and has decided to start a campaign from Cherthala in Kerala [the home town of Defence Minister, Govt of India] to Imphal and express solidarity to Sharmila Irom.
Accordingly, a team which has approximately 20 members, lead by Professor Sara joseph, a veteran writer and activist, will visit few centres, where a program of 2 hours duration will be presented consisting of a solo drama 'Meira Paibi' presented by the Sunday theatre, Kozhikode [based on Sharmila's life and struggle.], and also film show, poster/photo exhibition, discussion etc in English/Hindi.
Considering the importance of the issue and looking into our responsibilty to support such a cause, we request you to kindly make arrangements for the following at your your centre according to the schedule.
| Date | Time | Centre |
| 15/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Cherthala |
| 16/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Bangalore |
| 17/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Chennai |
| 18/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Nellore |
| 19/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Vijayawada |
| 20/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Bhopal |
| 21/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Delhi |
| 22/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Delhi |
| 24/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Kolkata |
| 25/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Kolkata |
| 26/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Guwahati |
| 27/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Imphal |
| 28/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Imphal |
| 29/04/2010 | 5.00 P.M | Imphal |
| 30/04/2010 | Returning to Kerala |
In case you plan more than one programme at your centre, the same may be intimated immediately.
Please confirm whether you will be able to arrange the programme at your centre by mail/telephone immediately.
With warm regards,
T.R.N Prabhu mob: 0946842403
Civic Chandran mob: 09633751353