Image Courtesy: Reuters
In a very surprise move, activist Irom Sharmila has announced to break her fast on August 9 after almost 16 years of her protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur.
The ‘Iron Lady’, who has been force-feeding through a nasal tube over the last one and half decade, has told the media outside the Imphal Court that she will now contest elections and will be a part of electoral politics.
Although it is not clear yet why Sharmila took the decision of ending fast as she had repeatedly claimed to continue her hunger strike till the AFSPA is withdrawn from the state, but her decision will have a huge political impact in the state. She might contest the election as an independent.
As expected the Centre welcomed Sharmila’s decision.
“Good that it has dawned on her that sensitive issues like AFSPA should be left to armed forces and not made a political cause. I welcome her decision to fight elections and separatists from Kashmir should take a cue from her,” Jitendra Singh, minister for Development of North Eastern Region said.
Tags: AFSPA india Irom Sharmila Manipur
