The condition of Irom Sharmila, who has been on fast since November 4, 2000 demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, has taken a serious turn causing concern among doctors attending on her and the police.
Reports said that despite medication she was showing alarming symptoms and doctors feel prolonged fasting has affected her health badly.
She has been lodged in a room at the J.N. Hospital here, which has been declared as a sub-jail, where she is nose-fed. The Manipur government has been sending her daily health reports to the Union Home Ministry. Following deterioration in her health condition, Home Ministry officials have instructed the police to be on alert. They fear protests by the people and the Sharmila Kunba Lup (Save Sharmila group).
Police personnel, including women constables in riot gear, are deployed in all trouble-prone areas.
Sources in the government said the AFSPA could not be lifted from Manipur as it would amount to giving a blank cheque to rebels.
