A Patiala House court in New Delhi today framed charges against social activist Irom Sharmila for attempting to commit suicide in 2006 when she sat on a fast at Jantar Mantar in the capital.

"There is evidence that you want to take your life," the judge told the activist in court.

However, Ms Sharmila, also known as the Iron Lady of Manipur, refused to plead guilty.

The court has set May 22 as the next hearing date in the case. The social activist, has been on a fast for nearly 12 years demanding the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

She was flown in to the national capital yesterday to appear before the court in connection with a fast she undertook over the repeal of the controversial legislation.

"Government should listen to the will of the people, not the will of the Army. I am also a human being, as a human being I have right to happiness and freedom," she said.

She had to appear before the court under Section 309 (attempt to commit suicide) of the Indian Penal Code for fasting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.Ms Sharmila launched her fast-unto-death in 2000 after 10 civilians were killed by personnel of the Assam Rifles at Malom area near Imphal airport. She is now in jail and is being fed through her nose at JNIMS Hospital in Imphal. -- NDTV.com