Charge-sheet filed against Irom Sharmila, formal trial to begin from May 13
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 09 2014 : Anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike following the Malom massacre in November 2000, has been charge-sheeted today under section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for attempt to commit suicide.

Subsequently, the charge-sheet hearing of the case would commence from 13th of this month.

Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani would be Sharmila's defence counsel.

Sharmila was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Imphal East district here today where the charge sheet was submitted by Porompat police station against her under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.

Irom Sharmila talking to Media

Talking to media persons at the Court Complex of CJM Imphal East here today, Irom Sharmila reiterated that her 14-year-long hunger strike is not an attempt for committing suicide.

It is for the cause of human rights.

It is a democratic tool to demand repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the State.

She further said that she could have killed herself by any other means long time back if her motive for hunger strike was to commit suicide.

The suicide charge is just a brainchild of the State Government for sidelining the AFSPA issue.

She has been denied justice by the authorities without conducting proper trial, Sharmila lamented.

Advocate Khaidem Mani said that more than 15 FIRs have been lodged against her over the last 14 years.

Repeated arrest of a person for the same case is violation of Article 20 of the Indian Constitution.

She is a human rights activist and her hunger strike is a democratic form of agitation.

She has been demanding the Government to repeal the draconian military law AFSPA.

The suicide charge against her is totally absurd and she has no intention of ending her life.

Moreover, there has been no report of Sharmila attempting to commit suicide while in the prisons.

There is also no question of her possessing a gun, knife or rope with which she could end up her life.

There is high chance of Sharmila getting acquitted in the case, Mani said.