Irom Sharmila released once again

A local court today rejected charges of attempt to suicide against rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila by her indefinite fast for 14 years demanding repeal of AFSPA and ordered her immediate release from custody.

The 42-year-old has been under arrest under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code for attempt to commit suicide.


Judicial magistrate (Imphal East) Wisdom Kamodang ruled that the prosecution has failed to give any evidence that she is trying to commit suicide and ordered that Sharmila be discharged in the case.

Imphal West SP Jhaljit told PTI she has been released from prison according to court orders.

Demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Sharmila has refused to eat or drink anything since November, 2000.

After her release in the evening, Sharmila again sat on fast under a shed in the local market.

On 19 August 2014, another Manipur court had ordered Sharmila to be released stating that her hunger strike was a "political demand through lawful means". However, she was re-arrested three days later for allegedly attempting to commit suicide.