Irom Sharmila leaves for Delhi on Court's order
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi/Imphal, October 29 2014: Rights activist and anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila arrived in the National capital this evening to appear before the Metropolitan Magistrate, Patiala Court on October 30 and 31 in connection with a case against her for holding a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in 2006 demanding the repeal of AFSPA from the State.

Sharmila was accompanied and escorted by assistant jailor K Lokeshore, and female jail warden Ngaizavah of Jail Department, SI Basantakumar of Lamphel PS, ASI Dayapati of Imphal PS, JNIMS Medical team comprising Dr Rothangpui, staff nurse H Kumudini Devi and H Rajshree Devi.

The team along with Sharmila left Imphal this morning in an Indigo Flight 6E-128 .

Sharmila leaving for Delhi at Tulihal airport

Speaking to The Sangai Express on her arrival today at Bir Tikendrajit House, Sharmila explained that her lawyers are defending her against the charge framed for attempted suicide.

Recalling her release this year in August by the Imphal Court, she questioned "does the judiciary in India have any relevance?" .

The rights activist said that she was immediately arrested after the release which she says is a mockery of justice.

The Government has turned the law into a joke, she claimed.

"I know I will win not win the case against me, but I will continue to fight.

Given a chance I would like to defend myself in the Court," she said.

She also observed that given the dismissal of her request to meet the new Prime Minister she feels that the new Government is not serious about her cause and demand.

Talking further about her release in August this year, Sharmila said it made her feel elated to see a huge crowd greeting her.

She recalled going to the Ima market and said that there was a huge gathering, which she said was a spontaneous event.

She said "at that moment I was extremely happy," adding "but it appears to me that the crowd had actually turned up because of curiosity." This she said saddened her.

Sharmila will appear before the Court tomorrow.

She is schedule to stay for two days.

Speaking to media persons at Imphal Airport before boarding the flight earlier in the day, Sharmila said that Army used AFSPA as a tool to discriminate people of the State belonging to the Mongoloid stock who are different from people of mainland India physically and culturally.

Saying that she is championing the cause of the people, Sharmila hoped she would achieve her goal one day or the other.

Sharmila has been taken to New Delhi for appearing before the Metropolitan Magistrate room number 20 B Patiala Court, New Delhi on October 30 and 31 under FIR number 222/06 Parliament Streets PS under section 309 IPC.

The case was registered against her for holding a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in 2006 demanding the repeal of AFSPA.

She has since appeared at the Court periodically.

Sharmila was taken to Delhi after Judicial Magistrate First Class Imphal East Court granted permission for appearance before the Metropolitan Magistrate at Patiala Court some days back.