The Iron Lady of Manipur, Irom Chanu Sharmila, has been rearrested just after her release from jail on Monday. The charge slapped on her this time is attempting to commit suicide.
Sharmila, who was sent to jail in November 2000 for her protests against the massacre of 10 people allegedly by Assam Rifles troops in Malom village, staged a fast unto death for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
The Act gives the army sweeping powers to kill suspected rebels and immunity from prosecution. The law is in force only in militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast.
Immediately after her release, Sharmila resumed her fast unto death at Porompat in Imphal east district. Women activists, including leaders of Meira Paibi – women torch-bearers, who have created one of the biggest grass-root level organsations in the country – joined her and provided her security.
However, security forces rearrested her, on the charge of attempting to commit suicide under section 306 of Indian Penal Code. Later, she was produced at the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court and was sent to judicial custody for one year.
Sharmila said, “The authorities concerned have misused the law by arresting me. I will continue with my campaign.”
{{/usCountry}}Sharmila said, “The authorities concerned have misused the law by arresting me. I will continue with my campaign.”
{{/usCountry}}Sharmila Kanba Lup, an organisation set up to save her, earlier submitted a memorandum to Governor Gurbachan Jagat.