By Iboyaima Laithangbam
Irom Sharmila on her return from Delhi on Saturday told reporters that she was dismayed and disappointed by the total absence of support from people of all walks of life to her campaign for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. She has been on fast unto death from November 4, 2000.She said that the people of Manipur are the direct victims of the AFSPA. She commented that though there is democracy, the government in Manipur seems to be playing the second fiddle to the armed forces. For all practical purposes the people have forgotten Sharmila and her unique campaign. And the government has reason to be upbeat with this negative development. Government sources feel that the campaign will fizzle out since there is no people’s support. Sharmila returned to Imphal on Saturday after a two day appearance in the Patiala House court relating to a case of attempting to commit suicide. She will appear in the court for two days in March next year. She faces the charge of attempting to commit suicide in Delhi and Manipur. However the District and Sessions court, Manipur held that she was not guilty of the charge and ordered her release. Later another lower court ordered her detention on the same charge. The Patiala House court is also trying her on the same charge. On October 6, 2006 she continued her fast at Jantar Mantar in Delhi after giving a slip to the police and intelligence agencies at the airport in Imphal. Denying the charge of trying to commit suicide Sharmila said that she is looking forward to the day when she will take solid food. Now she is nose fed by medicos. She contended that it shows that she loves her life and that she is using fast as a weapon to achieve her goal. She is now lodged in a room in J.N. Hospital which was declared a sub jail.The government spends over Rs 60,000 a month for nose feeding and medications. (Courtesy – The Hindu)