Delhi court acquits Irom Sharmila of suicide charge

New Delhi: A local court in Delhi on Monday acquitted Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila in a case of attempt to suicide in the national capital.

Sharmila has been on a hunger strike since 2000 demanding that the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act be repealed.

In 2013, Sharmila had refused to plead guilty to the case, so the court took it to trial, and she has been out on bail since then.

During her hearing, the prosecutor claimed Sharmila showed the intent to commit suicide and that the offence she had committed was clear.

However, the rights activist told the court that she loved her life and was using her fast as a stand against the AFSPA, which gives the Army unbridled power and protection in conflict-ridden states.

During her last visit to Delhi also, she had expressed her desire to meet the Prime Minister. The meeting, however, did not come off, and she returned to Imphal, Manipur.

Official indications are that there may not be a positive response from the Prime Minister`s Office to her desire.

First, there has been no formal request from her. Secondly, the prime minister may not be ready to discuss the demand she is likely to put up.

Thirdly, Sharmila herself has admitted that she has lost considerable ground and virtually there is no supporter at the court complex except for some reporters.