Irom Sharmila set to be free today, but her security a concern

IMPHAL: With militant outfits of Manipur issuing diktat against Irom Sharmila for her decision to join politics and marry a non-resident Indian, her security has become a matter of prime concern for the Congress-ruled state government.

The court of chief juridical magistrate (Imphal West) will hear her case on Tuesday. As Sharmila is set to call off her 16-year fast demanding repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act on August 9, the court is expected to order her release.

Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak, a Manipur-based secessionist group, has asked Sharmila to rethink her decision.

Babloo Loitongbam, executive director of Human Rights Alert, told ET, “We will chalk out our next course of action once she is out of jail. Joining politics, abandoning fast and getting married is purely her decision. We will discuss ground realities with her once she is out.”

Loitongbam said, “Earlier, Congress government at the Centre was at least discussing justice Jeevan Reddy committee report. The BJP government has not only rejected it but also maintained a stand that Afspa will not be repealed.”