New Delhi, India (August 20, 2014): The Iron Lay of Manipur and icon of struggle against atrocities and impunity in Manipur, Irom Sharmila is on fast unto death for last 14 years. She has not taken food and is being (force) fed by a rice tube. She is demanding annulment of notorious Armed Forces Special Powers Act, commonly called AFSPA. She has been languishing in Indian jail as she was booked for attempting suicide by Indian authorities.
Now, according to recent media reports, a Manipur court on August 19 ordered release of Irom Sharmila after acquitting her from the charges of attempt to suicide. The court has said that she should be released immediately, but she was yet to released from jail at the time of writing this news.
Her bother has reportedly said that Irom Sharmila will continue her 14-year-long against the AFSPA.
“Yesterday, just after hearing the news of Sharmila’s release from the court, we were very happy because at this juncture we got moral victory. Even after her release, she will continue to fast,” Irom Sharmila’s brother Irom Singhajit said.
“Until and unless her demand is not fulfilled, she will continue her fasting. Our state and central government must listen to the voice of our people. In the near future, there may be changes because at the Centre also some political change is there. That’s why our goal may be met in the near future,” Irom Sharmila’s brother added.
Human Rights body Amnesty International India has been campaigning for Irom Sharmila’s release.