Irom Sharmila to end 16-year-long fast, will join politics

The world’s longest hunger strike is about to end. On Tuesday, activist Irom Sharmila declared she will break her 16-year-long fast on August 9 and contest in next year’s Manipur Assembly elections. Popularly known as ‘Iron Lady’, Sharmila conveyed her decision to media persons outside Imphal court. Another report quotes her aides as saying that Sharmila wants to marry.

Sharmila started her hunger strike in November 2000 to demand the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) – described as draconian by human rights activists – in Manipur. In the past, she has turned down offers to join both the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). While she has declared her intention to enter politics, it is unclear whether she will join one of the mainstream political parties or float an outfit of her own.

Find out more about Sharmila by watching this Newslaundry interview of journalist Anubha Bhonsle: