Irom Sharmila Arrested Once Again

Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh informed the last budget session (March8-25) on March 17 that noted human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila has completed 9 years 10 months in judicial custody.

Replying to a question by opposition MLA K Sharat during the day’s question hour, the Chief Minister said that his government has been detaining noted human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila under judicial custody for her fast onto death agitation.

Informing that the state government had tried to convince the human rights defender to withdraw her agitation, the Chief Minister added that the government has even lifted Disturbed Area Act from some areas in Imphal. But she continues her fast unto death agitation till date.

On March 11 this year, Sharmila was rearrested by police on charges of attempting to commit suicide (under 309 IPC) barely 24 hours after her release, which coincided with President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil’s maiden visit to Manipur.