Court to record Irom Sharmila's statement on Wednesday

A court here on Tuesday set August 12 for recording the statement of Manipuri human rights activist Irom Sharmila as an accused in a suicide attempt case against her during her fast-unto-death here in 2006.

The concerned metropolitan magistrate, who has been hearing the case, was not holding court on Tuesday. The court, therefore, deferred the matter for Wednesday.

The court on June 6 concluded the recording of statements of prosecution witnesses and scheduled the matter for recording the statement of Irom Sharmila -- popularly known as Iron Lady -- for August 11.

Sharmila has been on a fast for about 12 years, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

The court on March 4, 2013, had framed charges against Sharmila for attempting to commit suicide, and put her on trial after she refused to plead guilty.

Sharmila denied that she attempted suicide while on a fast at Jantar Mantar here.