IMPHAL, Feb 7 NNN: Hunger striker Irom Chanu Sharmila, who is on fast for the last 12 years demanding the repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), was produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Imphal East on Thursday.
Sharmila was presented in the court for further judicial remand of another 15 days.
Briefing reporters, including a special correspondent of Washington Post outside the court, Sharmila accused the Government of totally ignoring the Jeevan Reddy Commission which recommends a review of the controversial AFSPA.
She said her struggle against AFSPA also aims to bring a revolution in Manipuri society, asserting that the struggle would take some more time in awakening the leaders as well as the public.
Sharmila, also known as ‘Iron Lady of Manipur, said a Sociology Professor from New Delhi had informed her in a letter that he would like to pay Rs 50, 000/- form his own salary every year to students studying in the national capital from North East states who have been affected by the military Act.
She further informed that the Assamese ‘Kurunga Nayani’ Award has been offered to her.
The social activist also alleged that it seems many people in Manipur are taking pleasure seeing at how she is being rearrested and released time and again and the way she lives on nose-feeding.
She maintained that she does not like to be given awards except the support of the people in her more than a decade-long campaign against AFSPA.
Sharmila informed that she would be produced again in the same court on February 21 and also in the Patiala High Court on March 4.
Showing her serious concerned over the crimes against women in the country, she expressed shock and unhappiness.
Sharmila has been on fast since November 2, 2000 to demand that the Indian Government should repeal AFSPA.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sharmila-produced-before-court-2/