Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 24:
Even as the Gauhati High Court has asked the State Government to release hunger striker Irom Sharmila Chanu, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal has today remanded the 32-year old woman to judicial custody for 15 days.
So far, the State Government has not decided explicitly whether it would release the girl or challenge the verdict of the High Court issued on September 20.However, officials in the State Home Department have informally discussed the verdict of the High Court, sources said, adding that a decision on the matter would be taken very soon.
On the other hand, the office of the CJM Imphal is said to have not received any intimation to release Sharmila from the registry of the Principal Seat of the Court or the State authorities.
When contacted, State Advocate General stated that he has not been communicated on the matter by the State Government.
Hailing from Kongpal Kongkham Leikai, Sharmila has been fasting since November, 2000 demanding withdrawal of AFSPA 1958 from the State after personnel of Assam Rifles massacred 10 civilians at Malom.
On two earlier instances, Sharmila was released by the Court on the ground that the term she served in judicial custody was equated with the offence she ought to serve in jail under section 309 IPC which relates to attempt to commit suicide.