For the third time anti-AFSPA activist Irom Sharmila may not be able to appear before the Metropolitan Magistrate, Patiala House, New Delhi on Thursday as the Manipur government is yet to sanction funds required for her journey. She has been on a fast-unto-death since November 4, 2000 demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 which gives carte blanche to the security forces engaged in counter insurgency operations.
Charging her with attempting to commit suicide, police in New Delhi had registered a case against her. But she has been telling the courts and press that she wants to live and that she is merely using fast as a weapon to have the AFSPA repealed.
She could not appear before the Metropolitan Magistrate in January and March this year due to paucity of fund. However, she appeared before it on May 28. She was accompanied by 2 prison staff, 2 policewomen and 3 medical staff. The government had to foot a bill of Rs 1,38,000 for the three day journey.
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Though the Metropolitan Magistrate had ordered that she appear in court on July 17 the proposal for the sanction of Rs 1,38,000 is yet get official nod. Ms Sharmila faces a similar charge in the court of the District and
Sessions judge, Manipur east. She has been appearing before the court all these years.