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

Imphal, July 26: 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, she further said that she will marry and contest the Manipur assembly elections next year as an independent candidate.

"I will break my fast as the Govt has failed to give any positive response, will fight elections to resolve the issues," Irom Sharmila told a news agency.

The 42-year-old activist has been arrested, tried and released several times on the charge of trying to take her own life. Sharmila is also undergoing trial in the Patiala House court in Delhi on the same charge.

She has declined food or drink for the last 16 years, seeking repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958. She is on forcible nose feeding.

Sharmila had started her hunger strike on November 4, 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.

OneIndia News