Want to be Manipur's CM: Irom Sharmila after ending 16-yr-long fast

She broke her fast by tasting honey and then wept for several moments.

Stating that she looks forward to a new life, Sharmila said: "I am not a goddess, I want to be a human being. I want to be Chief Minister of Manipur to make a positive difference."

She said he will contest elections and live in an "ashram".  She said she also supported self-determination of Kashmir.

"This is my life. I want equality... I am called the Iron Lady of Manipur and I want to live up to it," said Sharmila.

She urged Prime Minister Modi to follow the path of non-violence and rid India of draconian laws and give fatherly affection to all.

Earlier reports quoted her saying she will now join politics and get married to his long time friend as well.

She was earlier released  on personal bond (for her fast which is against law and she was fed forcibly), but a release order eluded her with a court deferring the next hearing to August 23.

Sharmila, known as Manipur's 'Iron lady', began her fast 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 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.

Image: Amnesty International Twitter