Imphal, Sept. 12: Civil rights activist Irom Sharmila yesterday paid homage to Luingamla Muinao, the 15-year-old girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted and "gunned down" by two army officers on January 24, 1986, at Ngainga village in Ukhrul district.

Sharmila visited the memorial dedicated to Luingamla and met her family members. She urged the people to rise in unison against atrocities and rights abuse.

Responding to invitations from well-wishers in Ukhrul district, Sharmila left Imphal on September 7 and has been staying in Ukhrul town. She has been visiting a number of places in Ukhrul district like Lunghar, Sihai, Longpi, Sirui hill and so on.

During her visit to Ngainga village yesterday, Sharmila met Luingamla's 90-year-old mother and interacted with her family members. Luingamla was allegedly shot dead by Capt. Mandhir Singh, post commander of Phungyar. Singh, who was with the 25th Madras Regiment, along with Lt Sanjiv Dubey had allegedly assaulted Luingamla.

Sharmila prayed at the tombstone of Luingamla and expressed her condolences to her family. She said Luingamla was the epitome of courage, who gave up her life fighting against oppression.

Sharmila is now staying at a friend's place near Ukhrul town and she is being accompanied by some activists from Imphal. She said she would return to Imphal tomorrow and chalk out her next plan. She broke her fast last month and decided to join politics and contest elections. She had gone on fast in 2000 demanding the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. After she broke her fast, Sharmila met the displaced families of Sendra in Bishnupur district on September 4.