Heeding court call Irom Sharmila reaches Delhi
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, May 27 2014: Irom Chanu Sharmila along with a team of Jail and medical per-sonnel and officials arrived in Delhi today afternoon in connection with a case of "attempt to suicide" .

Sharmila will be produced before the Metropolitan Magistrate at Patiala house tomorrow.

In a candid conversation with the Sangai Express at Manipur Tikendrajit House in the evening, Sharmila expressed her desire to meet the new Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to place her demand for repeal of AFSPA.

She was quick to also state that she understands that the new government is only a day old and that the oath taking extravaganzas have not even settled down.

Sharmila said she had made it public about her willingness to meet the new PM through the State BJP leaders, who were camping in Delhi, whom she said had called on her as soon as she checked into Bir Tikendrakit house.

"I met Chaoba (state president) and his colleagues today and I have made known to them that I am open to a meeting with the new PM, given an opportunity" .

Irom Sharmila reaches Delhi

But Sharmila is strongly against joining electoral politics herself, recalling the in- vitation of AAP or even the state Chief Minister, Sharmila asserted "No, I will not join electoral politics" .

Earlier the AAP had sent a feeler, "well before election" she said "but I have rejected it" .

Regarding the State Chief Minister's visit, Sharmila explained that CM had come to the hospital to call on some of his colleagues.

"I learnt that one former CM was hospitalized and CM came over to see him.

He happened to come over to me for a courtesy call," she recalled.

"CM came over and tried to cajole me actually, attempting to appeal to me to call off my fast," she said.

Sharmila will be leaving Delhi soon after her court hearing the day after tomorrow.

On asked whether she wanted to stay on for another day or two, or made any request to do so, she said "I am in bondage, I cannot decide" .

she further said "I know there are people who does not want me to come out from Manipur" and reiterated "My demand is not a child's play, I am demanding for my right to life under the constitution of India", Sharmila said that ever since a Tamil Nadu-based journalist, Prabhagaran Mani who was denied permission to see her, filed a case in the High court, there were some relaxation for visiting her at the hospital.

"Visiting days are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, where any one can come and meet me.

there is a procedure , to fill, of course" .

She added, "the visit of the NHRC team has also helped" .

Sharmila feels that coming to Delhi gave her an opportunity to meet people, which she enjoyed tremendously.

In fact from the time she arrived many of her well wishers and friends made a beeline at the Bir Tikendrajit house, including the media persons who have become her friends over the years.

Sharmila was all smiles in the evening here at New Delhi.