Imphal, March 09 2009: Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on a fast unto death agitation for more than 8 years now demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been remanded to judicial custody for 15 days after being re-arrested by the police.

After being kept behind the bar for more than 8 years on alleged charge of attempting to commit suicide, Sharmila was released by a Court on March 7.Soon after being released, Sharmila resumed her agitation prompting a police team led by SDPO of Imphal East L Birababu to re-arrested her on the same charge at around 1.28 pm today from Porompat area where she was continuing her fast unto death agitation.

Later, she was produced before the court of an Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate with whose permission, she has been granted judicial custody for 15 days.

When the police team came to re-arrest her, members of the Sharmila Kanba Lup and other supporters tried to stop the police leading to a confrontation.

However, the arrest was effected after the protestors submitted a memorandum to the Governor.

The memorandum reiterated the demand for repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act, saving the life of Sharmila and respecting the human rights in the State.

Meanwhile, the hunger relay strike being launched by various organisations in Thoubal district in pursuance of the demand for repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act and save the life of Sharmila completed 32 days today.

Around 60 members of the Nongmaikhong Apunba Yaipha Thourang Meira Paibi Lup participated in the hunger relay strike launched at the public ground of Nongmaikhong Mayai Leikai today.

The president of Thoubal District United Women's Development Organisation K Thasana Leima, finance secretary M Amubi and organisation secretary Sanabam Khambi were among the resource persons addressed the gathering at the occasion.

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