By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Anti-AFSPA campaigner Irom Chanu Sharmila is in Delhi in connection with a case filed by Delhi Police against her for holding hunger-strike at Jantar Mantar in the National Capital in 2006 for which she will be produced before the Metropolitan Magistrate at Patiala on May 28. She left Imphal on May 27 accompanied by two jail staff, one doctor, three nurses of Jawahar Lal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and two personnel of Manipur Police.
Speaking to media-persons at the Manipur Tikendrajit House, at Chanakya Puri, Delhi, Sharmila expressed her desire to meet the new Prime Minister Narendra Modi to place her demand for repeal of AFSPA. She said she understands it is a bit hurry to ask for a meeting with the PM as the oath-taking ceremony of the new Government had just finished.
Sharmila coming to Delhi in March 2013 for the same court hearing (Photo by First Post)
She further says that she had made it public about her willingness to meet the new Prime Minister through the State BJP leaders, who were now camping in the capital. The State BJP leaders had called on her as soon as she checked into Bir Tikendrakit House. She met State BJP President Thounoujam Chaoba and his colleagues. She said she had made known to them that she is open to a meeting with the new Prime Minister, if given an opportunity.
Sharmila also expressed that she is not joining electoral politics. She was invited by some political parties to join electoral politics, which included Aam Admi Party. She said just before the Lok Sabha election, AAP had sent a feeler, but she had rejected it. Sharmila will be leaving Delhi soon after her court hearing on May 29.
Regarding her demand, she said, “I know there are people who do not want me to come out from Manipur. My demand is not a child’s play. I am demanding for my right to life under the Constitution of India.”
She said that ever since a Tamil Nadu-based journalist, Prabhagaran Mani, who was denied permission to meet her, filed a case in the High court, there were some relaxation for visiting her at the hospital. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are the visiting days. Any one can meet her on these days. However, there are procedures to follow.
Sharmila said that it’s a great opportunity to be in the Capital as she could meet her friends and well-wishers. She said that she had already met numerous well-wishers and friends, besides media persons.