Irom Sharmila to break 16-year-fast to contest elections in Manipur

New Delhi, July 26: Manipur’s ‘Iron Lady’ Irom Sharmila to break her 16-year fast on August 9 and contest elections in Manipur, reports News18.

Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila has been fasting so that the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is scrapped.

It was in November 2000 when Sharmila began a hunger strike to protest against the gunning down by the Assam Rifles of 10 civilians waiting at a bus stop at Malom near Imphal airport.

She is demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives unbridled powers to the armed forces, practically giving them a “right to kill”.

Earlier in July, the Supreme Court asserted that the situation in Manipur has “never been one of war”.

The apex court directed a thorough probe into alleged fake encounter killings there, saying the use of “excessive or retaliatory force” by the armed forces or police was not permissible in ‘disturbed areas’ under the draconian AFSPA.

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was enacted in 1958 to bring under control what the government of India considered ‘disturbed’ areas.

The Act has often faced flak from human rights groups as it gave sweeping powers and immunity to the army in conflict-ridden areas.