Manipuri activist Irom Sharmila granted bail

By IANS

New Delhi : Manipuri activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, who was brought to the capital Thursday by Delhi Police officials in response to court summons, was granted bail by a court here Friday.


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"The court has granted bail to Sharmila on a personal bond of Rs.10,000. She will go back to Manipur tomorrow," said Onil, a Manipuri activist and Sharmila's aide.

The next hearing will be on Sep 28 and Sharmila does not need to be present in the court then, he added.

Sharmila has been on a fast-unto-death since November 2000 to demand the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which is in force in Manipur.

She continues her protest against the indiscriminate use of what many call a draconian act even as she has been force-fed by authorities for six years.

Delhi Police had filed a first information report (FIR) against Sharmila for attempted suicide when she was in the capital last October to continue her protest and was arrested from near Jantar Mantar two days later and sent to a hospital. She was transferred to Manipur in March.

Sharmila is one of the two Indians who were recently chosen for a prestigious South Korean human rights prize – Gwanzu award, in recognition for their work towards improving human rights in India.

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