IMPHAL, October 29: Irom Chanu Sharmila today said the Central government seems to have mistaken her hunger strike demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act as an attempt to suicide.
The anti-AFSPA crusader left for the national capital today, in connection with her October 30 and 31 court appearances. She was accompanied by two police personnel, a doctor and two nurses.
Sharmila will be appearing before the court of Metropolitan Magistrate, Patiala House in connection with case filed under FIR No 222/06 under IPC section 309 (attempt to commit suicide) filed by the Parliament Street Police Station.
Speaking to media persons at the Tulihal Imphal Airport before being led into the airport building, she said the government misperceiving her movement to be an attempt to commit suicide, has said that she would be release only if her fast ends.
She further exuded confidence, that the court will hear her prayer and understand that her movement is for the people to live in peace and harmony.
Stating that she will be put up close to the Prime Minister’s bungalow, Sharmila said the Centre being protective about the draconian Act is meaningless and unfortunate.
As the people of the North East look different from those from other regions of the country, the Indian soldiers who are mostly from outside the region have a different sentiment for the people of the region and are using the Act as a tool against the people, Sharmila asserted.
AFSPA, 1958 denies the people of the basic human rights, dignity and justice, which is regrettable in a democracy, she told the media persons.