Irom Sharmila remanded to judicial custody

Activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on a fast for the past 12 years to demand withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur, has been remanded to judicial custody for 15 days.

Sharmila who has been produced before the judicial magistrate from time to time for more than 12 years, was produced before the court of junior magistrate Imphal east district on Tuesday, who remanded her to 15-day judicial custody.

Speaking to media personnel, who were present at the court, Sharmila alleged that AFSPA has not been withdrawn from the state due to "the weakness of the state government which has failed to convince the necessity to withdraw and repeal the act".

Sharmila, whose cause has been recognised nationwide, expressed her desire for all sections of the society to raise their voice collectively against the AFSPA.

Under AFSPA security forces have the power to 'shoot any suspect even causing death' if he or she was suspected of acting in contravention of law.

Sharmila began her fast unto death to demand withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur after nine innocent civilians were killed in an alleged encounter in 2000 near Imphal airport.