Iconic Indian activist, Irom Sharmila, who has been on fasting for 16 years in protest against AFSPA, ended it today.
Her protest has won her worldwide recognition, with Amnesty International describing her as a prisoner of conscience.
#WATCH: Irom Sharmila ends her fast after 16 years. She was on hunger strike, demanding repealing of AFSPA.https://t.co/ndGmoEuZu8
— ANI (@ANI_news) 9 August 2016
Imphal (Manipur): Irom Sharmila breaks down while ending her fast pic.twitter.com/L9SABzzLE5
— ANI (@ANI_news) 9 August 2016
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I will never forget this moment: Irom Sharmila after ending fast after 16 years pic.twitter.com/KMhSwCMP5k
— ANI (@ANI_news) 9 August 2016
In 2000, the death of 10 people in firing by security forces drove Sharmila to launch a hunger strike for the removal of the AFSPA.
Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which is in effect in several Indian states, including in Manipur and Kashmir, gives special powers to soldiers to arrest without warrants and even shoot to kill in certain situations.
Imphal (Manipur): Irom Sharmila at District & Sessions Court a short while ago; will break her fast today. pic.twitter.com/5GW1DizphB
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016
In the morning, the 44-year-old activist left the prison hospital for the last time.
She was force-fed through a plastic tube there after being arrested for attempted suicide.
Also known as ‘Iron Lady’, Sharmila was released on bail after furnishing a bond of Rs. 10,000.
Today 2 witnesses were examined, 23rd August Irom Sharmila will be examined in court again: Lawyer of Irom Sharmila pic.twitter.com/95r5ALfYYu
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016
Irom Sharmila has been released on Rs.10,000 personal bond, says Lawyer of Irom Sharmila.
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016
After her release, Sharmila has decided to contest elections for the post of Manipur chief minister.
I know nothing about politics, and about academic line also. My education is very very low: Irom Sharmila pic.twitter.com/fBk9kYofpk
— ANI (@ANI_news) 9 August 2016
I know nothing about politics, and about academic line also. My education is very very low: Irom Sharmila pic.twitter.com/fBk9kYofpk
— ANI (@ANI_news) 9 August 2016
Amnesty International supported her, saying that the time was right for dismantling the law.
“Irom Sharmila’s hunger strike over the last 16 years has been a testament to her passion for human rights, and her belief that a draconian law like the AFSPA has no place in any society. The government arrested her, confined her to a hospital room and force fed her for 16 years, seemingly to break her will. There was zero dialogue,” said Abhirr VP, Senior Campaigner with Amnesty International India, in a media release.
#IromSharmila to end her 16 yrs old fast today ; My SandArt at PuriBeach with message “We Salute your decision ” pic.twitter.com/5wvjr5Eae4
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) August 9, 2016
