Sharmila rejects AAP offer
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 14, 2013: Activist Irom Sharmila today rejected a proposal to her by the Manipur unit of Aam Adami Party (AAP) to join politics and run for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from the Inner Parliamentary constituency.

Sharmila, who is on a fast-unto-death agitation for 13 years now demanding repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), was produced before the Judicial Magistrate first class, Imphal East, Lamphel which further remanded her to judicial custody.

Asked if AAP has suggested her to contest the upcoming general elections, the civil rights activist told reporters outside the court room that one Prashant Bhushan from AAP has insisted her over phone that she should be in the fray as her demand will be fulfilled after it is directly heard by the Parliament.

"I told him I don't want to join politics.

But, the AAP man insisted on to consider the proposal for some more time," Sharmila said.

The political rights activist further said she does not believe the notion that black laws like AFSPA can be revoked by power.

She said her crusade against the controversial Act is continuing with the help of a democratic hunger strike while men in politics have left the society in turmoil since they fought elections with the money they got from contract works.

Sharmila said people will burn her effigy if she fails to satisfy them after elected as their leader.

"I just don't want it," she added The hunger striker afterwards informed that Rs 2 lakh from her money received from various national and international awards has been handed over to titular king Leishemba of Manipur to donate it for the work of bringing communal harmony between the hill and valley.

She added another Rs 4 lakh has been donated to Indian Red Cross Society and Rs 41, 000, whi is now in her bank balance is being considered to be donated to the Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Association.

Sharmila said she is happy that members of the association have supported her movement against the black law.

"I'm also happy that now the Government has allowed visitors to come and meet me three days a week after a journalist from Tamil Nadu filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court of Manipur," she said.

She said any visitor can come and meet her on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in a week after prior information is given to the Superintendant of Police of the jail.

"I appeal to the members of the rickshaw drivers association to come and see me one of these days," she said.

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