Imphal: Manipur activist Irom Sharmila may be detained or arrested overnight, say sources, after she refused to be examined by doctors in Imphal on Thursday. The police presence at her protest site has been increased.
Sharmila had, upon her release on Wednesday, said that she wouldn't allow anybody to force-feed her. "I will not take any force feed this time. I will not allow any medical set up. I don't feel hungry. What I feel is an emptiness," she said.
Irom was released from Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science of Imphal on Wednesday evening after a Manipur court said there was no evidence of attempted suicide against her.
The Manipur government is free to challenge the order in a higher court.
Irom has been on an indefinite fast since November 4, 2000, demanding repulsion of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 (AFSPA). She was charged with attempting to commit suicide. Under this charge, she can be kept in custody for one year at a stretch.
After release from the hospital, the Manipuri activist, while talking to media appealed to people for mass support against AFSPA, which she feels is a draconian law. Reiterating her demands, she said her fast will continue her fast till her demands are addressed.
"I think certain parts of section 309 has been decriminalised which is an achievement. I feel satisfied. I hope my perseverance against AFSPA will not go unnoticed. Whether people will support me or not I will wait for the government to take AFSPA back. Sooner or later, I will succeed. I have full faith in god," Sharmila said.
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