Centre should take people's opinion into account before making decisions: Irom Sharmila

Manipur human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila has criticized the NDA government, accusing it of disregarding people's sentiments when making policy decisions.

Democracy exists in the country "only in name" under the current dispensation, she said, urging people to vote for bringing about a change in the country.

Lambasting the "all-controlling" government at the Centre, Sharmila, who had observed a 16-year-long hunger strike seeking repulsion of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur, said, "Democratic leaders are servants of people, not controllers. They need to respect people's opinions before making policy decisions."
Accusing the political parties of trying to secure vote banks by cashing in on border-related crisis, Sharmila said, "Matters related to immigration and international boundary are sensitive."