Fasting Irom faces suicide case

A Delhi court on Monday framed charges against Irom Sharmila Chanu for allegedly attempting to take her life during a ‘fast until death’ in the Capital in 2006. Chanu has been fasting for nearly 12 years demanding withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). HT reports. Vote: Is Irom Sharmila's hunger strike a justified form of protest?

A Delhi court on Monday framed charges against Irom Sharmila Chanu for allegedly attempting to take her life during a ‘fast until death’ in the Capital in 2006. Chanu has been fasting for nearly 12 years demanding withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

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Chanu told the metropolitan magistrate Akash Jain “I love life. I do not want to take my life but I want justice and peace….. I do not want to commit suicide…… It is my demand to live as a human being”.

The judge said “I respect you but the law of the land does not permit you to take your life,” and asked her counsel to make her aware of the legal implications of the ongoing case. Chanu in a grim voice refused to plead and claimed trial.

The judge said there is prima facie against her and ordered charges be framed against 40-year-old Chanu under section 309 (attempting to commit suicide) of the IPC after she refused to plead guilty, saying that it was a non-violent protest.

Irom Sharmila, who has been on a fast for 12 years demanding the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), arrives at the airport in New Delhi.

Irom Sharmila, who has been on a fast for 12 years demanding the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), arrives at the airport in New Delhi.

Irom Sharmila after appearing in the Patiala House court in Delhi under IPC 309 (attempt to commit suicide) for fasting at Jantar Mantar in 2006.

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