IMPHAL, August 21: A day after her release from judicial custody, Iron Lady of Manipur Irom Chanu Sharmila visited the Khwairamband Keithel where she was felicitated by the women vendors today around 2:40pm.
An emotive Sharmila was seen mingling with the women vendors of the three ema keithels and others during her first trip to the all-women bazaar in more than 13 years.
Thousands turned up to witness and meet Manipur’s famous daughter.
The police including women personnel had a hard time trying to keep off the people who were jostling for space to get a glimpse of the anti AFSPA crusader.
During her visit to the keithel today, Sharmila prayed before the Keithel Lairembi at Purana Bazar.
Sharmila, later during a press conference at the Manipur Press Club, expressed happiness over the mass gathering to meet her at the Ima Keithel.
On August 19, Sessions Judge, Manipur East A Guneshwar Sharma had ordered Sharmila’s released from custody dismissing charges that she was fasting unto death. She was released the next day on August 20.
Sharmila had begun her fast on November 2, 2000 demanding the repeal of Arms Forces (Special Powers) Act and was shortly arrested on charges of attempting suicide under section 309 IPC.
However, soon after her release Sharmila had continued on with her fast.
