Irom Sharmila's hunger strike completes 12 years today

, Nov 5: The 'Iron Lady of

'

, who has been on a

since 2000 demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), will complete 12 years of fast on Monday.

Sharmila, a civil rights activist, began her hunger strike after the death of ten people in an alleged encounter with the Assam Rifles at Malom in Imphal valley on Nov 2, 2000.

She has been demanding repeal of AFSPA which the human rights activists hold as a draconian law.

Currently, she is in judicial custody where she is forcibly fed through her nose.

Several candle light demonstrations by civil rights activists and members of social organisations are expected throughout Manipur on Monday to express their solidarity with Sharmila.

PTI