Click to play videoImphal: Irom Sharmila Chanu — the ‘iron lady’ of Manipur who has been fasting for over six years protesting against the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act — was arrested by the police soon after her arrival in Imphal from Delhi.
After a five-month-long protest in Delhi, Sharmila returned here to resume her fast. Sharmila, who started her fast to protest against the controversial AFSPA in year 2000, believes her protest in Delhi helped create greater awareness about the issue.
“Even if they aren't in favour of yielding to my demand, even the world's apex body, United Nation, knows about the issue. I'm little confident that I'm on the path to victory,” said Sharmila.
The ‘iron lady’ had begun her protest after 10 innocent bystanders were gunned down by Assam Rifles jawans at Malom, Imphal, on November 2, 2000. She says she wants concrete action by political parties.
“I don't know if they are doing it just to gain power or if they are sincere about saving me by withdrawing the Act. What I am waiting for is concrete action. What I'm doing is voicing my protest at my level best against the use of an inhuman Act, which is meant to terrorise innocent people,” she said.
After a brief sit-in-protest at the historic Nupi Lan Complex, she was moved again to the hospital. Police picked her up from the protest site and after a thorough medical examination, she has been kept in custody at the special ward of Imphal's JN Hospital.
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