On Saturday evening, several civil rights group held a candlelight vigil near Rajghat  in solidarity with Irom Sharmila, the iron lady of Mainpur, who has been fasting for over a decade now demanding the repeal of the armed forces special power act (Afspa). National Alliance of People's Movement (NAPM) in collaboration with other civil society organisations organised the "Save Sharmilla Campaign" to draw attention to her protest and condition. 

More than 200 people showed up to extend their support to Sharmila and lit candles outside Rajghat. They, however, were not allowed to light candles at Gandhi's grave by the Delhi police. A Manipuri singer songwriter, Akhu Chingangbam from Imphal Talkies, recited "India, I see blood on your hands" - a poem about the atrocities by the army against the people of the northeastern state.

It all started in November 2000, when ten civilians were shot dead by the Assam Rifles. Moved by the innocent killings and mass unrest, Irom Sharmila, a poet and socio-political activist from Manipur, began her indefinite fast to protest against the Afspa act, which gives the army sweeping powers to arrest any citizen without warrant and kill any suspected rebels. The history of anti-terrorism fight by the government forces in the north eastern states will reveal many cases of young innocent lads, who have been picked up by the army or paramilitary forces. They return home wounded both mentally and physically. Many are missing till date. On July 10, 2009, the dead body of Thangjam Manorama was found 4 kilometers from her house. She had been picked up by Assam Rifles jawans on charges of  links with separatist rebels. She was raped and killed by them. Women protested in front of the local army headquarters naked, with banners saying " Indian army rape us". It shook the entire nation. Still this draconian law is in force in Manipur and many other states.

Faisal Khan, member of NAPM said, "It is quite regrettable that neither the civil society members nor the social activists have paid any attention to Sharmila's protest. They have visited her once to know her condition. She has been suffering in solitutde for the people of northeast. We need more support from the media to raise this issue among the masses and save Sharmila. Unlike Anna's movement against corruption which stirred the government in mere 5 days, Sharmila's 10 year long peaceful protest is yet to be noticed by the government."