Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, MARCH 1
Anti-AFSPA campaigner Irom Chanu Sharmila today said the government should rather give the money used in her treatment to the poor and expressed unhappiness over people’s apparent heedlessness towards her struggle.
The activist is currently continuing her fast at Sahid Minar here after being released by the court yesterday. She left the Special Ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) around 4 pm on Monday after the court order freeing her from the judicial custody.
Following the release, she went straight to Sahid Minar and resumed her hunger strike there. Sharmila had been charged under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for attempting to suicide. She has been regularly arrested and released every year.
A medical team led by a doctor from Imphal West desperately tried to check her blood pressure at the site but she refused. Members from Sharmila Kanba Lup (SAKAL)were also seen sitting beside her at the site.
Sharmila began her fast since 2000 which is ongoing demanding the Government of India to repeal Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
At the protest site, Sharmila who is also known as ‘Iron Lady of Manipur’ told journalists that it is useless that the government is spending a lot of money for her survival. She said it should rather give the money to the poor. Sharmila said the government should stop spending money on her.
The legendary crusader of peace continued expressing that the people of Manipur have apparently shown unconcerned about her sentiment and sustained struggle as well.
