Irom Sharmila released but continues to fast
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 10 2011:
With the completion of her one year sentence, Human Rights Crusader, Irom Chanu Sharmila was released today.
She had been serving a sentence of one year for "attempt to commit suicide" under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) .
Sharmila said she will not deter from her hunger strike until AFSPA is repealed.
Sharmila has been nasal fed for the last 10 years.
Sharmila was released around 1 pm by the authority of the jail who came to the hospital with her release order issued by Imphal East CJM.
Members of the Sharmila Kanba Lup escorted her to the venue where they had initially staged a relay hunger strike.
After her release, Sharmila continued her hunger strike at the venue as in the previous year.
A group of women supporters kept vigil over Sharmila.
Police team have been detailed near the strike venue to ensure her safety.
Interestingly, a man identifying himself as Desmond Anthony from Kerala appeared at the JNIMS hospital saying that he is a supporter of the Sharmila's stir and wanted to meet her.
Janaki, president of the Sharmila Kanba Lup, obstructed his efforts observing that he could be a spy.