Fasting Manipuri activist refuses to plead not guilty to suicide attempt charge
Manipur’s Irom Chanu Sharmila on Monday pleaded not guilty before a court here to the charge of “attempting to commit suicide” during a fast-unto-death she undertook at Jantar Mantar in 2006. She told the court that she would not give up her fast until the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was repealed.
Metropolitan Magistrate Akash Jain told her: “Madam, there is an accusation against you that you tried to commit suicide.” To this, Ms. Sharmila responded with an emphatic “No.”
“On April 20, 2012, an order was passed against you charging you under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code [attempting to commit suicide]. Do you plead guilty to the charge,” Mr. Jain asked.
Ms. Sharmila replied: “I don’t want to commit suicide. Mine is only a non-violent struggle to live as a human being.”
Mr. Jain said: “But the law of the land does not permit you to take your life.”
“I love life. I love life. I don’t want to take my life. What I want is justice and peace,” Ms. Sharmila replied. “I am protesting against AFSPA. If AFSPA is repealed I will take food again.”
The Magistrate told the activist that while he respected her sentiments, hers was a political stance, while the courts were concerned with the legal procedure. Ms. Sharmila’s lawyers, from the Human Rights Law Network, clarified to the court that she was pleading “not guilty” to the charge and the court could continue as per the established procedure.
Her lawyers also pointed out to the court that though the maximum punishment for her offence was one year, she had already spent several years in judicial custody. “Her protest should not be seen like any other kind of suicide attempt. She has been fasting and protesting in the most non-violent manner. She must not be asked to appear again and again in court,” counsel said.
The trial in the case will begin from May 22 with the recording of statements of prosecution witnesses.
Ms. Sharmila embarked on a fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar from 8 p.m. on October 4, 2006. She was arrested at 11.30 p.m. on October 6.
On November 2, 2000, Ms. Sharmila heard about the alleged killing of 10 civilians at Malom near Imphal and began her fast, which has now extended for over 12 years. The government has since then been force-feeding her.
Keywords: Irom Sharmila, Manipur insurgency, AFSPA, AFSPA repeal, Thangjam Manorama rape, Indian Army, Assam Rifles, hunger strike
I have been in Manipur long enough to say that Assam Rifles is the cause
of so much unrest in civil population. There is widespread corruption
and symbiotic relationship among law-breakers and law-keepers to tap
into huge funds.
"With great power comes great responsibility", this phrase looks a mere bookish proverb which has nothing to do with the real life scenarios.The lady has suffered the highest level of barbarism by the Indian army.This is quite revealed the way the north eastern people have shown their anguish against the Indian army.The special powers given to army was misused,Army is meant to protect and not to attack the civilians. More than 100 females were raped. Domestic terror prevailed by the army should be stopped, Special power act does not give permission to carry out such brutal act which embarks someone's life with horrifying memories.
why army is exempted from the stringent laws of rape are they "Supremo's of the society"who can never make mistakes, or are they meant to enjoy the powers bestowed upon them?Like Do what ever you want you are tagged as the "saviours& Protectors" of the country.
The guilty officers embroiled must be treated as culprits and should be convicted.
Shame to the Government. AFSPA has been grossly misused by the security Personnels. I wish AFSPA is removed and Honable Ms Irom Sharmila again takes food and life. Life is dearer to everyone but some circumstances are such like every day dying.
AFSPA is evil and this evil must go.
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