Correspondent/NNN
Imphal, June 4
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] court in Imphal has framed chargesheet against Manipur’s human rights defender Irom Chanu Sharmila under Section 309 of Indian Panel Code (attempt to commit suicide).
Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Imphal East, A Noutuneshwori has issued an order in this regard on Wednesday.
Sharmila was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East district today where the CJM has said there are enough evidences to prove that her case amounts to attempt to commit suicide.
Sharmila’s counsel Advocate Khaidem Mani submitted that his client is not attempting suicide but demanding the right to life with a dignity. He prayed that the arrest of Sharmila every year in the same matter is against Article 20 (2) of the Indian Constitution.
The trial of the case will be started from July 7.
Sharmila told the waiting media persons today that she is agitating under Article 21 where it grants ‘right to life and liberty’. She also said her effort is to have the innocent people of the North East region live peacefully and in full freedom under the Constitution.She said today’s judgement was against justice while stating that she will appeal in a higher court.
Sharmila is in the judicial custody under the FIR Case No. 55 (3) 2014 Porompat Police Station under section 309 IPC.
Sharmila, who is presently being forced fed at JNIMS security ward in Imphal, is on a fast unto death agitation since November 2000 demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
In her recent court appearance, Sharmila had expressed her desire to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She hoped that the new government under the leadership of Narendra Modi will listen to her voice against the AFSPA.
