Irom Sharmila in Delhi
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 04 2015 :
After her Court appearance in October last year, anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Sharmila Chanu arrived here today for the next hearing in a case that charges her of attempt to commit suicide under IPC section 309, reports Ninlung Hanghal from New Delhi.
Vehemently denying the charge, Sharmila today reiterated that had she wanted to kill herself, she would have done that a long back.
Sharmila, who spoke at length to The Sangai Express at Manipur Tikendrajit House, said that she had come to defend herself.
Sharmila recalled that she had also requested the Court to allow her to appear in person and defend her stand.
It may be mentioned that deposition of witnesses, comprising of 4 Delhi police officials, has been conducted.
Sharmila said that it is now her turn to defend.
She also said that there is a voluntary defense counsel but added that she will be defending herself.
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Speaking about the lifting of AFSPA in Tripura, Sharmila said that she somehow sensed that her struggle has had an impact and which is an achievement.
Drawing comparison, she said that Tripura is laudable for their value for democracy while Manipur is corrupt and has no sense of humanity.
In the aftermath of the ambush in Chandel district where over 20 army men were killed, Sharmila lamented that such incidents are a challenge for her.
She said, "when some hope comes, such as lifting of AFSPA in Tripura has brought in some hope in Manipur, some incidents or the other happen.
I take it as a challenge before me.
"Hope is my driving force," she added.
Sharmila is hopeful that the two-day hearing will be the final proceedings of the marathon case that was framed way back in 2006 when she had come to Delhi to continue her fast.
The Court hearing is scheduled for June 5 and 6 .
During a brief interaction with reporters at JNIMS complex before she left Imphal, Sharmila said that she wants to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her stay at the National capital.
Sharmila was accompanied by JNIMS doctor Mulani K, JNIMS head warden Chingu Paite, Imphal Central jail Assistant Jailor A Keshorjit, Sub-Inspector of Imphal police station, Premchand, lady SI Kh Sophia, JNIMS staff nurses Monalisa and Premita.
They left Imphal in an Indigo flight at 9.50 am.