Imphal, Aug 9: The anti AFSPA crusader, who has been on fast-unto-death protest for 16 years today broke her fast and announced that she will contest election from the constituency of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in the upcoming general assembly election.
“I will break my fast and contest election from the constituency of Chief Minister and if I win I will repeal AFSPA”, said Sharmila in the crowded room of Legal Aid Clinic, inside Cheirap Court Complex here in Imphal.
The Iron lady had stunned the people across the country by announcing that she will end her fast-unto-death protest to change her struggle against the draconian act AFSPA on July 26. The announcement becomes a matter of everybody’s concern. Since her announcement various civil society organizations had appealed her to once more think on her decision to contest the election. Some individuals and right activists however said that her decision to change the strategy of her protest against AFSPA by contesting the election is a welcome step. Some are of the opinion that she was expressing her anger as not many people had taken interest to the protest she had been underway since the last 15 years.
As usual Irom Sharmila was produced to the court of CJM Imphal West, Lamkhanpau Tonsing. As she had expressed her desire to end the fast the Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) pray the court to close the hearing. The CJM Imphal West later granted her bail on furnishing of PR bond of Rs. 10,000.
She was once more ordered to appear before the court on August 23.
During the course of hearing, Sharmila pray the court to allow her sometime and a place to interact with media. Pack with media persons from across the country and abroad at the legal Aid Clinic room, Sharmila announced her decision to end the fast.
She said her decision to contest election is on the sole purpose of fighting against the AFSPA.
“If I win the election and become Chief Minister I can repeal the act”, this was a statement which boom the crowded room but shock many well wishers.
Later, after the court granted her bail, Sharmila was taken to JNIMS Hospital for check up.
2 comments
Asuk kuina miyamgeedmk hotnaraga miyambu minmle.. Houkhraba pumba kaore… Mabu ekai khumnabadu mangle… Vote leoninglasu chara hellaga leppu soidana kani…. Maise politically ensinba ama yaore…
Khongfam ama soibagidmk katthorakliba mayamdu kaofade. Soikhiba adu ngakpiraga awangba thakta mabu pukhatsi. It’s really disheartening, she sacrificed whole life for us and now we r not giving a place on the earth for her stay. Think kind -hearted peoples of Manipur.