Its not suicide, but protest against AFSPA: Irom Sharmila
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Agencies

Imphal/New Delhi, March 03 2013 : Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on fast for more than 12 years now demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), landed in Delhi today to appear before the Patiala Court in connection with the fast she undertook over her demand at Jantar Mantar in October, 2006 .

Sharmila has been charged with attempt to commit suicide under IPC 309 for fasting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and she is scheduled to appear in the Patiala Court at 10.30 am tomorrow.

Upon landing at Delhi after she was flown from Imphal today, Sharmila said she didn't want to commit suicide and was sure that the Government would listen to her appeal.

"I don't want to commit suicide.

I am protesting by non-violence at my best level...I am sure the government will listen to me and repeal AFSPA," she said.

"Govt should listen to the will of the people, not the will of the Army.

I am also a human being, as a human being I have right to happiness and freedom," she added.

Sharmila at the airport

Sources say Sharmila may demand that the case be transferred to Manipur.

Sharmila has been taken to Delhi by an official team led by L Hemantakumar, Assistant Jailer, Manipur Central Jail which included Ngaijaba, Female Warder of Manipur Central Jail; Ngangbam Rajlakhi, SI, Imphal Police Station; ASI Sophiya; Dr Rothangpui and Staff Nurse Ch Indu.

The team left for Delhi around 12:30 pm in an Air Indigo flight.

They will be returning to Imphal on March 5 .

Speaking to media persons on her way out from the security ward of JNIMS today, Sharmila stated that she was not informed by the concerned authorities about her appearance in Patiala Court.

As such she has no idea in this regard.

She also expressed apprehension over alleged possible hidden agendas behind the whole affairs.

Sharmila wondered at the summon order asking her to appear in Patiala Court after more than six years of her fast at Jantar-Mantar in Delhi.

"I don't know whether they would imprison me for life", She said, adding that even if the Court sets her free, she could not give up her agitation until AFSPA is repealed.

It may be recalled here that Sharmila launched her fast unto death in 2000 after 10 civilians were killed by Assam Rifles personnel at Malom area near Imphal airport.

She is currently lodged in a jail and is being fed through her nose at JNIMS Hospital in Imphal.