Imphal, July 20 2009: Even though the lone fasting struggle of Irom Sharmila demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special) Power Act 1958 entering nine years, Manipur government is still at dark to find a strategy or policy to bring an end on the issue.

Government is yet to find out a strategy or policy to deal with the issue of the long fasting of Sharmila even though for the time being taking up special care for her life, said Manipur chief minister, O Ibobi Singh in the house of the state assembly Monday giving reply to a question raised by opposition leader of the house, Radhabinod Koijam of NCP.

Raising the question, former chief minister, Radhabinod said that he or his party is not demanding immediate repealed of Act considering the prevailing law and order situation where everyday there is report of militants threatening and attacking to the government officers and individuals.

But, they wanted to know what step has been taken up to save the life of Sharmila.

He compared the issue as "dormant volcano" which is active and may caused a huge public outcry in case any untoward incident happen with the life of Sharmila and asked if there is any strategy or policy of the government to deal with the situation.

In reply to the question, chief minister, O Ibobi Singh said government had and has been trying to save the life of Sharmila at many occasion.

Keeping in view of her life and considering public sentiment, government had lifted disturbed area status from Imphal municipality area on August 8, 2004 which was followed by repeal of the AFSPA from seven Assembly constituencies under Imphal Municipality area.

He, himself along with his cabinet ministers personally met with Sharmila at JN Hospital where she has been keeping and convinced to stop her stir.

They also convinced her family to help in reviewing her decision.

But, she remained stick to her decision to repeal the Act from the entire state, Ibobi said.

Government is aware of ultimate consequence that could raise up in case any untoward happening out of her stir and public demand on the repeal of the Act.

At the same time, government is also aware of the prevailing ground situation where rampant activities of the underground activities like extortion and threatening of people with bombs and guns despite efforts of the state police and security force, it will be hard to maintain orders of the people, Ibobi observed.

But, except providing special facilities, including medical care and security at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital where she is currently administering force nasal feeding to save her life, government is yet to chalk out any policy or strategy with regard to her life and the mater behind, the chief minister added.

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