Freedom short-lived, Manipur’s Iron Woman back in custody

 

Despite strong opposition from Sharmila and her supporters, police took her away around 10.30 am on Friday. (PTI photo)

K Sarojkumar Sharma,TNN | Aug 23, 2014, IMPHAL: Three days after being released following a sessions court order, civil rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu was on Friday rearrested from a makeshift camp in Imphal where she had been continuing her fast. 

Despite strong opposition from Sharmila and her supporters, police took her away around 10.30 am. The makeshift camp is located near the state-run JNIMS hospital, where she was being forced-fed nasally, and her residence. Sharmila, who was taken inside the JNIMS hospital, refused to take liquid food through her nose, sources said, adding she was administered IV drops. 

Demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, the 42-year-old activist has been on a fast since November 2000. 

Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam, who also holds the home portfolio, said Sharmila was picked up since her health had deteriorated. "The government's duty is to save the lives of its citizens, for which she was picked up," the minister said.

Police were tight-lipped about the charges under which they had taken Sharmila away. She was likely to be produced before the chief judicial magistrate (Imphal East) on Saturday. 

On Tuesday, an Imphal sessions court had ordered Sharmila's release, accepting her plea that she did not fast unto death and hence did not attempt suicide. She had continued to fast after being released from jail on Wednesday. 

On Thursday, Sharmila had said she would continue to fast until the oppressive Act is repealed. "The deterioration of my health during my struggle is not a concern," she had said. "I'm not attempting to end my life."