IMPHAL, March 12 � Human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last 11 years for the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 (AFSPA) will continue her stir until her demand is achieved.
Manipur�s Iron Lady Sharmila, who was freed after the expiry of her annual detention term, here today, told the media that she wants a leadership (government) who wish to pay attention to the public sufferings. Responding to a question, she said that she will continue the strike.
Sharmila has been regularly freed and re-arrested every year since she was arrested 11 years back on charges of �attempts to commit suicide� which is unlawful under section 309 of Indian Penal Code. She was last re-arrested on March 10 last year.
W Tonen, Judicial Magistrate 1st Class Imphal East in a court order today said �since she has been in judicial custody for more than one year which is the maximum punishment provided under the law, this court has no other option except to discharge her from the present FIR�.
After her release from the security ward of the JNIMS hospital, she is presently staying near the hospital complex in Imphal East district.
