Will end fast, marry and contest elections, says Irom Sharmila

Irom Sharmila, who had long been on a hunger fast against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, on Tuesday surprised people with her announcement that she will end her fast on August 9, the next date of her court hearing.

Making the announcement in the court of the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal west, L. Tonsing, she further said that she will marry and contest the Manipur assembly elections next year as an independent candidate.

The 42-year-old activist, known as the Iron Lady of Manipur, termed a Prisoner of conscience' by Amnesty International and recipient of various prizes, has declined food or drink for the last 16 years, seeking repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. She is on forcible nose feeding.

Sharmila began a hunger strike in November 2000, following the killing of 10 civilians by security forces. She was arrested by the Manipur government in 2000 under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits an attempt to commit suicide.

However she has been denying she was trying to commit suicide saying that she is using the fast as a weapon. The prosecution could not prove the charge and for the second time the chief judicial magistrate had ordered on February 29, 2016 to release her as she was not guilty of the charge. However she was rearrested on the same charge as she continued the fasting. A court in Delhi, had also acquitted her of the same charge.

For a long time she has been appealing to all sections of the people to extend support to her cause, but to no avail. Except for some reporters, there has been nobody to meet her in the court where she is produced every 15 days.

--IANS

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