April 25, 2024 12:38 (IST)
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Iroam Sharmila walks free, remains on fast
Imphal, Aug 20 (IBNS) Manipuri human rights activist Irom Sharmila walked free on Wednesday after a court order said restrictions on her should be removed and fasting is not attempting to commit suicide, but after her freedom she continued with her fast immediately.
"I need people's mass support," she said walking free and adding that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) imposed in Manipur is a "draconian law" which must be withdrawn.
A tricky situation has emerged after her release since the court said fasting is not attempting to suicide- she was being forced fed by authorities- but at the same time said her well being should be looked after by the government even as Sharmila went on to fast again.
A Manipur court earlier said that social activist Irom Sharmila, who since 2000 has been on an indefinite hunger strike demanding revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and being force fed with a pipe by the authorities, should be released.
The court on Tuesday last nullified the charges by police of attempted suicide by the activist.
The 42-year-old activist known as the 'Iron Lady of Manipur' earlier had wanted to meet the Prime Minister to repeal the Act that had been called "draconian" by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh though a reform has long been dilly-dallied.
Sharmila, who was being fed through her nose at JNIMS Hospital in Imphal, launched her fast unto death in 2000 after 10 civilians were killed by Assam Rifles personnel at Malom area near Imphal airport.
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