Imphal, Aug. 28: Actor Aamir Khan has extended support to Irom Sharmila’s hunger strike against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

“The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, should be repealed. I support Irom Sharmila. I do not think there is any provision in the Indian Constitution that denies meeting with people in custody,” the actor told coordinator of Imphal-based Just Peace Foundation Seram Rojesh in Delhi yesterday.

Rojesh briefed Aamir at Ramlila ground, New Delhi, about the condition of Sharmila who has been fasting for the past 10 years demanding the repeal of the army act. She would complete 11 years of her fast in November.

The foundation sent Rojesh to Delhi to show solidarity with Anna Hazare after Hazare had invited Sharmila to come to Delhi and join his fight against corruption. She replied she could not come as she is at present under judicial custody. Rojesh told Aamir that she was not allowed to meet people freely, including her family members by the government by imposing many procedures.

Aamir said: “It should not be done like that. I know about the AFSPA. It has no place in a democratic society,” a release issued by the foundation here today said.

Aamir who came to Ramlila ground to support Anna Hazare said he would consider an invitation by Rojesh to come to Manipur and pay a visit to Sharmila.

“She is a part of us. I do not know whether my visit will help her or not. Let us think in other ways I can do for Irom Sharmila. You can also tell me what I can do for her,” Aamir told Rojesh.

When Swati, a member of the India against Corruption, requested the actor to write something about her or an appeal to the people, the actor said he would do so, the release said.

Another film actor, Raja Bundela, also extended support to Sharmila and the fight against the army act.

“I know she has been fasting so long and people in this country do not extend support to her. It is sad. We should support her,” Bundela said.

He said the act is like army rule and it should be repealed. Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani also voiced concern about Sharmila. “She lives a painful life. I should definitely do something for her. I do not know much about the cause she is fighting for. Please send me through mail about the struggle she is fighting for. We will do something definitely.”

Jan Sangharsh Morcha, a civil society organisation’s national spokesperson, Dinker Kapoor, said the organisation had taken a decision to support Sharmila and her cause.

Social activist Medha Patkar also informed the foundation that she would extend her support to the fight against the act.