Released Sharmila Chanu continues agitation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 03: Despite being set free by the court of Judicial Magistrate (First Class), Imphal East today on completing statutory period of conviction close aides of Irom Sharmila Chanu revealed that the hunger striker is still pursuing with her agitation.

Irom Sharmila Chanu walking out of Security ward of JN Hospital

The aides, however, declined to disclose whereabouts of Sharmila insisting that the general public would be provided relevant details tomorrow.

Earlier, the Court decreed that Sharmila had completed the conviction and subsequent remand period on October 2 and thereby ordered her release.

Soon after the order, Sharmila agitating for nearly six years demanding complete removal of AFSPA 1958 from the entire State was whisked away from the court premises by her close aides and disappeared along the Tiddim Road while media persons tried to follow her.

The media persons pursued the vehicle carrying Sharmila on assumption that she would continue her fast at Kangla as the hunger striker had desired.

During the deliberations on the case, the Judicial Magistrate M Pemila ruled that the accused had been acquitted of the charges levelled against Sharmila as the statutory period of conviction complied with at the security ward of JN Hospital had lapsed yesterday.

The Court also took note of the fact that under similar circumstances sharmila was ordered for release on personal bond of Rs 5000 on October 2 last year but the then accused refused to furnish the necessary bond.