Replying to a question by opposition MLA K Sharat during the Question Hour, Chief Minister said his government has been detaining noted human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila in the judicial custody for her fast-unto-death agitation.
“The government will not remain a silent spectator (as attempt to commit suicide is against the law),” Ibobi said adding that the government is trying to bring peace besides safeguarding the fundamental rights of the citizens.
Sharmila also known as Manipur’s iron lady was on a decade-long fast unto death against the the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act,1958. The Act gives armed forces an unlimited power to search, arrest and shoot in insurgency-hit areas. She has been in judicial custody since November 2000 when she went on a fast-unto-death, protesting 10 civilian killings in cold blood by the Assam Rifles in Imphal.
Informing that the State government had tried to convince the human rights defender to withdraw her agitation, the chief minister added that the government even lifted Disturbed Area Act from some Imphal areas. But she has continued her fast till date.
Congress-led Secular Progressive Front government in Manipur had lifted Disturbed Area Act from the seven Assembly constituencies in greater Imphal area following mass public outcry in August, 2004.
On March 11 this year, Sharmila was rearrested by police on charges of attempting to commit suicide(under 309 IPC) barely 24 hours after her release, which coincided with President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil’s maiden visit to Manipur.
Ibobi also informed the House of 60 that his government is trying to introduce Manipuri martial arts in the school curriculum in an effort to preserve and protect the art forms in reply to a question by Opposition MLA RK Anand of the Manipur People’s Party
The leader of the House said that a 15-member committee has been preparing a report in connection with the matter. Once the report is submitted, the Board of Secondary Education Manipur will examine it properly so that it could be used in the school curriculum. He, however, added that the State is yet to have a martial arts policy.