Irom Sharmila speaks to reporters in Imphal.
Imphal, Mar 13 : Manipur’s rights
crusader Irom Sharmila, who was released from jail today after
completing yet another term for “attempting to commit suicide”, urged
New Delhi to give her the same treatment given to Anna Hazare.
She also said she wanted a change of
leadership in the next Congress government in Manipur as Okram Ibobi
Singh was in favour of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
which she wants repealed.
The order for Sharmila’s release was passed by the court of judicial magistrate 1st class Imphal East W. Tonsen Meitei.
She is, however, expected to be brought
back to jail tomorrow as she continued her fast after being released at
5.20pm. After coming out of Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital at Porompat in
Imphal East district, Sharmila continued her hunger strike near the
hospital along with members of Save Sharmila Campaign. She walked with
her supporters to the fasting venue, 600 metres from the hospital.
Sharmila began her hunger strike on
November 5, 2000, demanding repeal of the army act. She is booked under
Section 309 IPC (attempt to commit suicide) and is surviving on nasal
feeding.
Sharmila’s release, bringing back to jail
and release again has become an annual custom. In between she has held a
fast in New Delhi and stayed in the capital for five months. She was
last released from jail on March 10 last year and taken back the next
day.
“I am unhappy with the manner in which the
government releases me only to be rearrested. I want the same treatment
given to Anna Hazare by New Delhi,” she said.
After the court ordered her freedom,
Sharmila said she would continue her fast until the army act was
repealed, as “draconian laws” did not have a place in civilised society.
“I am opting for a peaceful struggle because violence begets violence,”
she added.
“Okram Ibobi Singh is in favour of the
draconian law. I want another leader, who is sympathetic to my cause and
who can listen to the voice of the people,” she said.
Sharmila’s demand comes as Ibobi Singh is
set to return as the head of the next ministry for the third consecutive
time. Congress won 42 of the 60 seats in the recent Assembly election.
Asked about her health, Sharmila said she felt stronger mentally and spiritually.
On getting information of the court
order, her elder brother Irom Singhajit and her supporters turned up
at the hospital to receive her.
“This is a mockery that the government is playing the game of arrest and release of my sister every year,” Singhajit said.
