Before she ends 16-year fast, Irom Chanu Sharmila gets bail from court
Sharmila, known as Manipur's 'Iron lady', is expected to break on Tuesday her epic fast that she began in 2000 demanding repealing of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Manipur.
“I have been fasting for 16 years and not got anything from it. I want to try different agitation now — one that will see me contest against the Chief Minister of the State,” she had announced on July 26.
The court wished Sharmila luck after she said she will pursue a political career as an independent candidate. Sharmila said she wants to become chief minister of Manipur and continue her fight against AFSPA.
Sharmila began her fast after the death of ten people in firing by security forces. She represented a vast majority of Manipur people, who had been demanding withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Protection Act (AFSPA) that gives sweeping power to the army.
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