Irom Sharmila ordered to be released from judicial custody

A court here today ordered the release of Manipuri rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, who is on a fast for 15 years demanding repealing of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), from judicial custody.

The CJM, Imphal East, ordered release of Sharmila, who had been charged under Section 309 of IPC (attempt to commit suicide) by launching an indefinite hunger strike to press for repeal of AFSPA, observing that there was no evidence for attempt to suicide by the lady and ordered her release.

Speaking to the media in the court compound, Sharmila said she is hopeful to secure her demand for repeal of AFSPA with the support of the people.

She further vowed to continue her fast to press her demand.

From the court, Sharmila was taken back to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences here amid 24-hour security by police.

Sharmila had started her fast in 2002 demanding the repeal of the Act which she termed draconian.