Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal East has reserved the judgment of Irom Chanu Sharmila after final hearing was held today. The judgment will be announced on February 29.
43 year old Irom Sharmila has been undergoing a fast-unto-death protest since November 2000, demanding repeal of draconian Act Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958. Since then she has been detained and force fed under judicial custody on charged of attempt to commit suicide.
Every year Sharmila was produced before court and released but as she continued her protest she was re-arrested every time. The last she was arrested was on January 23, 2015 but court set her free on January 22.
Speaking to reporters at Chierap Court Complex today Irom Chanu Sharmila questioned on why the government cannot run the society withour AFSPA 1958. She said violence act are not going bring any peace in the society. She however expressed faith in truth saying that truth will win someday no matter how long it takes.
She said that her struggle is not for personal benefit and people need to stand united if they felt that the draconian act should be repealed.
She further added that she would like to continue her agitation at under kanglasha of kangla along with at least one member from each CSO even if she was released again.