Irom Sharmila's hearing deferred to Dec 1
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 21 2014 :
Even as JMIC Imphal East deferred the charge hearing the attempt to commit suicide case submitted by police against Irom Chanu Sharmila to December 1, the marathon hunger striker met her friend Desmond Countinho, a British citizen of Goan descent at Lamphelpat Court complex today.
Sharmila appeared before the Court, in a never before seen incident, cradling a full-grown rabbit in her arms.
Soon after Sharmila came out of the Courtroom, Desmond came running from a corner of the Court complex and greeted her.
Sharmila not only reciprocated his greetings warmly but also received a parcel from Desmond with a smile.
Coutinho also handed over a paper, which he called, 'power of attorney' to Sharmila's defence counsel.
Desmond was accompanied by a local man, who refused to reveal his identity.
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Advocate S Sanou, who appeared in the Court in favour of Sharmila's defence counsel Khaidem Mani, said that the police station concerned had submitted a charge sheet against the anti-AFSPA campaigner under Section 309 (attempting to commit suicide) recently.
As the defence counsel pleaded with the Court to give some more time to study the relevant documents, the charge sheet hearing of the case was postponed till December 1, he added.
Speaking to reporters, Sharmila strongly denied the charge levelled against her by the police under Section 309 (attempting to commit suicide).
Sharmila said that although she loves her life like any other human, she is compelled to continue her hunger strike as the draconian AFSPA is still in force in the State.
Saying that Manipur has become a lawless State, Sharmila said that she is being detained in the judicial custody although the Court had already acquitted her in the case of attempt to commit suicide some months back.
On the other hand, she also strongly condemned the mob justice prevailing in the State and racial attacks meted out to people from North East in different cities of mainland India.
Responding to a query of a reporter on why she carried a rabbit to the Court, Sharmila said that she has two pet rabbits, and one of the rabbits died yesterday, so she brought the other rabbit so that it does not feel lonely.