Activist Irom Sharmila has said she will break her fast on August 9, nearly 16 years after she started her protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur. Sharmila told mediapersons outside the Imphal Court on Tuesday that she wanted to contest elections after breaking her fast. Sources close to her said she would contest as an independent.
Popularly known as the ‘Iron Lady’, Sharmila is being force-fed through a nasal tube over the last 16 years.
Activists associated with her said her decision would mark a new beginning in the fight against AFSPA in the state. “It is a bit of a surprise. We are trying to get in touch with her for more details,” said Babloo Loitongbom, an activist close to her.
Sharmila’s decision to contest in the elections is likely to have a huge impact on Manipur’s political scene.
In the past, she had always said there was no question of ending her fast till the AFSPA is withdrawn. It was in November 2000 that Sharmila began a hunger strike to protest against the gunning down by the Assam Rifles of 10 civilians waiting at a bus stop at Malom near Imphal airport.
She has been demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives unbridled powers to the armed forces.
Earlier in July, the Supreme Court asserted that the situation in Manipur has “never been one of war”.
