Letters: Sharmila's decision

Given the "selfish gene", rare are men and and women who fight at their own cost for public causes. Irom Sharmila is one such figure. She has taken it upon herself to protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and has become a symbol of the struggle for human rights.

She has attained iconic status and her suffering will go down as an inspiring chapter in the annals of Indian history. Her decision to end her 16-year-long fast, get married and join politics has come as a great relief ("Irom Sharmila to end fast, fight polls", July 28).

Her plan to contest elections marks a change of strategy. It is true that her fast has not resulted in the repeal of AFSPA. But it does not undermine her cause or invalidate her protest. By rendering her hunger strike inefficacious, the state indirectly legitimases the resort to arms to redress grievances.

A democracy is measured by the extent of "people's power" prevailing over "state power". It is hard to understand what "national interest" is being served by vesting "special powers" in the security forces to kill a person on suspicion without liability to face trial. We wish Irom Sharmila well and extend our moral support to her.

G David Milton, Maruthancode

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