Friday, January 26, 2007

Irom Sharmila's Health Deteriorates

IROM SHARMILA'S HEALTH DETERIORATES
New Delhi: 19th January 2007

The health condition of Irom Sharmila Chanu deteriorates under the arbitrary detention of Delhi police in Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Since 7 th October 2006 she has been detained in two different hospitals (AIIMS and RML) at Delhi. Since then she has lost 4 kgs. and her current body weight is only 37 kg.

Today, the Delhi High Court heard the two fresh applications filed by her brother Singhajit. The first application asked for RML to be made a party to the case and also to handover all medical records to Sharmila's family. So far the hospital had refused to give any medical reports. The High Court has now asked for copies of all medical records to be produced on Tuesday, 23 rd January – the next date of hearing. The Court has expressed its opinion that Sharmila can be detained in order to protect her health. It is critical to note that during six years of detention in Manipur her weight had remained almost constant.

The second application was for Sharmila to be allowed to attend a meeting in New Delhi. The Court will decide the application on Tuesday after receiving and assessing for itself Sharmila's health status.

Since November 2000, the 'Iron Lady of Manipur', Sharmila has been on hunger fast for the repeal of the repressive Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Determined to continue her agitation for justice and peace, she is currently detained at Room No. 8 A, Nursing Home, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Press Release Issued By:
Coordinator Desk for Sharmila's Struggle