Irom Sharmila, branded India’s Iron Lady, broke her fast against a controversial military law that gives security forces more power but vowed to carry on her fight by entering politics.
Advertisement
Manipuri activist Irom Sharmila on Tuesday ended her 16-year-old long fast demanding the repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from the state.
Last month, Irom Sharmila, 44, announced she would resume eating Tuesday and plans to run for state elected office next year.
The ambulance then took her near the elephant statue in the heart of Imphal city. It is not yet clear where she will proceed once released.
Earlier today, she went to the District and Sessions court first to inform about her decision which released her from judicial custody.
She reasserted that she wants to contest the Manipur election next year as an independent candidate.
India’s hunger-striking activist Irom Sharmila addresses a press conference after a court appearance in Imphal in the north-eastern state of Manipur, India, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. They all live separately.
A secessionist group called the Alliance for Socialist Unity said in a statement this week that other activists have been assassinated when they joined politics. Her elder brother Singhajit, who has been with her throughout her struggle, said he had never known she was going to terminate her fast.
However, Sharmila has made up her mind. “We have placed her at a pedestal above gods”. She is the youngest of the siblings and our love will always be there for her.
It is not clear whether she will return to the family home – she has said she would like to marry her fiance, a British national of Indian origin who she met after starting her fast.
“Sharmila is regarded as someone next to god”. “I haven’t spoken to her in the last few days because of my bad health. This is her biggest achievement”, said Loitongbam.
Ending the fast. But stand against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act continues (AFSPA) and will continue.
“Despite fasting for 16 years, I got nothing”.
Meanwhile, doctors said she will need medical help to begin eating again, having stayed without food for 16 years. The victims of the firing incident included a 62-year-old woman and a 1988 National Child Bravery Award victor.
Through years of arrests and rearrests on charges of attempt to commit suicide, Irom drew the worldwide media to her state’s plight and the Malom Massacre that sealed her fate in 2000.
Advertisement
However, local residents came out and asked Suresh not to keep her there.
