Irom Sharmila Set Free, asks for Mass Support against AFSPA

TIR, Imphal, 20 August 2014: ivil Rights Activist Irom Sharmila has been released from the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal on Wednesday evening following a court order. A local court in Manipur  on Tuesday had ordered Sharmila’s release citing lack of evidence on attempted suicide charges.

The court had held that Irom Sharmila must be released immediately. After being released from the hospital, the civil rights activist, Irom appeared before the media and gave her message to the people. Irom appealed to the people for mass support against the AFSPA, which she feels is a draconian law. Irom Sharmila reiterated her demands and mentioned that her fast would continue till her demands have been addressed.

On Tuesday the court observed that an intent to commit suicide cannot be established in the case against her and therefore, she cannot be kept under arrest. The Manipur government is free to challenge the order in a higher court, held the local court.

Irom Sharmila has been on an indefinite fast since November 4, 2000, demanding repulsion of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 (AFSPA). Irom had been charged with allegations of attempting to commit suicide. Under this charge, Irom could be kept in custody for one year at a stretch.

In view of her ill health, Irom Sharmila is currently lodged in a special ward of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal where one room, where she is confined to, has been declared sub-jail.

The AFSPA, against which Sharmila has been fighting, provides unlimited powers to the security forces to shoot at sight, arrest anybody without a warrant or carry out searches without hindrances. The AFSPA further insulates the security forces from the legal processes for any action undertaken under the act.

Irom Sharmila has been fighting for the cause for 14 long years now and her struggle still awaits due justice.