IMPHAL, November 9: Anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila who recently completed 15 years of fasting against the Act was produced before the court of the CJM Imphal West at Chierap Court today.
Sharmila was however made to wait for some hours due to the absence of the CJM I/W RK Memcha who has already been promoted to Grade I of Manipur Judicial Service. The charge of the CJM I/W is presently held by CJM I/E A Noutuneshori who is also reported to be out of station.
Eventually, the hearing was transferred to Judicial Magistrate First Class, (JMIC) Imphal West.
In the process, Sharmila who was brought to the court complex around 10:35 am had to wait for more than a few hours in the Cheirap Court complex.
The case hearing was conducted by JMIC Alek Muivah, who due to other case hearings at the Lamphel Court, arrived at the Cheirap Court around 2pm.
The delay in the court hearing for which, the anti-AFSPA crusader was made to wait for long also drew much flak from several organisations who condemned it as an act of negligence on the part of the court authorities.
Speaking to media persons, the Iron Lady also regretted the incident.
She reiterated her movement which she had initiated 15 years ago is for the general public and not for her individual self.
She also charged the Centre of playing an inhumane game by not listening to the demand to repeal the AFSPA.
Condemning the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs to meet activists like herself, Sharmila said such guideline is a dark law and will further hamper the freedom of activists.
It may be mentioned that the MHA guideline says that anyone willing to meet an activists in jail like Sharmila would have to deposit Rs one lakh as security.
Sharmila meanwhile lauded the defence witnesses who made themselves available near her during the whole process.
Vice president of the All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers & Pullers Association L Gojen who was present at the court premise as a defence witness said the association supports Irom Sharmila and her movement and further lamented that she has been charged under u/s 309 (Attempt to suicide).
He said the charge is not correct and that the court has released her unconditionally on repeated occasions.
Organisations like the Kabui Mothers’ Association and Women Action for Development that were also present in the court complex showing solidarity the Iron Lady Irom Chanu Sharmila also condemned the negligence of court authority.
Advocate Anand Prasad from Rajasthan and a research scholar from the University of Chicago Sayanthan Saharoy were also present at the court complex.
Irom Shamrila will further be produced before the court on November 23.