A team of policewomen drag a struggling and screaming Irom Sharmila.
has been re-arrested this morning just two days after a court ruled that she cannot be charged with attempted suicide for refusing food and water.
A senior Manipur police officer Santosh Macherla confirmed Sharmila had been re-arrested, a little after a team of policewomen dragged the frail activist away from the tin shack that is the site of her protest.
It is not clear what she has been charged with, but it is likely to be attempted suicide again. (
Read: Irom Sharmila, Shouting, Forcibly Removed From Fast Venue by Cops)
She resisted the police, struggling and screaming, and her supporters shouted and wept, but to no avail. The policewomen forcibly picked her up - one holding her arms, another her legs - put her in the back of a police van and drove her to a hospital nearby. (
Also read: Finally, Irom Sharmila's Smile Reaches Her Eyes)
Sharmila will have to be produced in court in 24 hours.
Manipur's Deputy Chief Minister confirmed that she had been arrested after a medical exam showed that she is critical. "We are taking care of her life. She is insisting on fasting. If her health is deteriorating, we have to take care," he said, adding, "Irom is very precious to us, she is exemplary. We need her to live long. We want her to use her powers in a constructive way." (
Read: Irom Sharmila Continues Hunger Strike Near Jail Hospital After Release)
Last night she had refused to let doctors examine her. "I have said I will not allow a medical check-up. I don't know why they are disturbing me," said Sharmila.
Irom Sharmila, 42, was last force-fed on Wednesday afternoon before she was released from jail. She has had no sustenance since. (
Late-night Drama: Irom Sharmila Resists Police Bid to Conduct Medical Check-up)
The activist is continuing her 14-year hungerstrike but says it is not a fast unto death. She says she will fast till the Armed Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA is removed from Manipur. The law gives soldiers sweeping powers to arrest or interrogate people in "disturbed areas" or states dealing with separatists or insurgents. (
Irom Sharmila May Have to Return to Hospital Soon: Family)
The activist was released this week. The Imphal court decided she cannot be charged with attempted suicide for refusing food and water, but also ordered the state to take care of Sharmila's health and feed her through a nasal tube if necessary.
By sitting on protest she is not violating any law.
Sharmila began her fast in November 2000, days after 10 people, including two children, were shot dead in Imphal, allegedly by Assam Rifles soldiers. Three days later, she was charged with attempt to suicide and arrested.