Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila was acquitted by a Delhi court on Wednesday, in a 2006 case of attempt to suicide during a fast until death at Jantar Mantar .
The 42-year-old Sharmila has been on a hunger strike since November 2000, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in ‘disturbed areas’. Sharmila, who is being fed through a nasal tube, was put on trial after she refused to plead guilty to the charge of attempting to commit suicide (section 309 of IPC).
She told the court yesterday that she was ready to end her fast if AFSPA was repealed and expressed her desire to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue.
During final arguments yesterday, the prosecutor contended that Sharmila had the intention to kill herself and the offence of trying to commit suicide was clearly made out against her.
During the hearing, the activist said she loved her life and was using her fast as a weapon to achieve her goal and added that this was “not a crime”.
“Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, had resorted to fasts while making certain demands,” she said yesterday while justifying her fast.
“Since there is no meaning of true democracy in the country, human rights activists should join hands. The matter should be brought to the attention of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations,” she added.