Release And Re-arrest of Irom Sharmila A Mockery Of Judiciary By State
By Ravi Nitesh
28 January, 2015
Countercurrents.org
Now again the honorable court in Imphal quashed the charges of ‘attempt to suicide’ from Irom Sharmila. It was a historic verdict , in spite that it had already happened few months ago also when Sharmila was released. It is historic because it provides a very concrete evidence of failure of state, where state could not understand even a single time , while judiciary understood the fact more than single time, that Irom Sharmila is not a criminal. She neither favors killing of anybody nor she choose it for herself. In her statements before courts in Imphal and Delhi and before media, she always expressed her motive and stated that she respect and loves life.
At the time, when the Imphal court ordered her release few months ago, she was re arrested again after two days and Manipur police was framed same charges of attempt to suicide. She had fought a long legal battle to prove her innocence, court also accepted the same, but state machinery acted in the same way as it was doing before. Judgement of Imphal court could grant only two days to breathe her in open air and she got picked by police in evening time before scheduled start of her fast in women's market. This arrest is again shows the loopholes through which state can mock upon judiciary. Registering the same charges again (IPC 309) and making arrest under the charges for which she has been acquitted two times in past six months.
This verdict is also a victory of people who are fighting in solidarity with Irom Sharmila and even those who are not directly related to her but fighting for human rights. Recently, a report of law commission also favored to decriminalize IPC 309 of Attempt to Suicide’. It may further pave the way for Irom to protect her from being framed under this charge again, but it will happen only after finalizing it and amending the IPC accordingly.
During my last visit to her as part of Asian Solidarity in struggle of people of Manipur, organized jointly by May 18 Memorial Foundation, Forum Asia and Just Peace Foundation, I met Irom and also participated in the solidarity fast organized to mark her 15th year of fast. Though I had already met her few times, even at Delhi also, but here in Manipur, I also got an opportunity to meet people in general, mostly youths.I found a huge undercurrent of her support in Manipur. I became proud when students told me that even their parents were also observing fast at their home in solidarity with Irom. I realized that how, such kind of solidarity, that is true and full of respect and love, is so much ahead of various demandful gatherings. Such a support where people are observing fast at their home in solidarity with her struggle is the spirit of people and convey the message of their courage, truth, respect and their solidarity with her demand.
Central government, while being in power seems weak when it comes to test its will and desire on Repeal of AFSPA. In spite of promises of state leadership of the party that is ruling the government, AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) still exists.
It is the republic of world’s largest democracy where democratic parties are not fulfilling their promises, imports of arms and weapons are increasing by state, so many reports of state led violence upon people and human rights violations reported . But at the same time, I see the hope within people, like Irom Sharmila, who is till hopeful and continuing her fast in a peaceful protest to demand repeal AFSPA. And her hope in the democracy, gives me hope.
Ravi Nitesh is a Petroleum Engineer, Founder- Mission Bhartiyam, Core Member- Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign
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