Irom Sharmila Chanu is an enduring symbol of the struggle against repression and AFSPA. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA) grants special powers to the Indian armed forces to arrest, detain, interrogate or even kill any person on mere suspicion, and with impunity. The people of Manipur and her neighbouring states of the North East, as well the people and Kashmir have been reeling under the impact of this draconian law for almost half a century. HRLN seeks the repeal of AFSPA and opposes any attempt to bring in AFPSA-like provisions into another Act.