December 07, 2025 10:35 am (IST)
Follow us:
Iroam Sharmila walks free, remains on fast
Imphal, Aug 20 (IBNS) Manipuri human rights activist Irom Sharmila walked free on Wednesday after a court order said restrictions on her should be removed and fasting is not attempting to commit suicide, but after her freedom she continued with her fast immediately.
"I need people's mass support," she said walking free and adding that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) imposed in Manipur is a "draconian law" which must be withdrawn.
A tricky situation has emerged after her release since the court said fasting is not attempting to suicide- she was being forced fed by authorities- but at the same time said her well being should be looked after by the government even as Sharmila went on to fast again.
A Manipur court earlier said that social activist Irom Sharmila, who since 2000 has been on an indefinite hunger strike demanding revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and being force fed with a pipe by the authorities, should be released.
The court on Tuesday last nullified the charges by police of attempted suicide by the activist.
The 42-year-old activist known as the 'Iron Lady of Manipur' earlier had wanted to meet the Prime Minister to repeal the Act that had been called "draconian" by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh though a reform has long been dilly-dallied.
Sharmila, who was being fed through her nose at JNIMS Hospital in Imphal, launched her fast unto death in 2000 after 10 civilians were killed by Assam Rifles personnel at Malom area near Imphal airport.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
IndiGo says it has restored 95% network connectivity after days of massive disruptions
Sat, Dec 06 2025
Quad slams cross-border terror during Delhi talks
Sat, Dec 06 2025
India, South Sudan officials review bilateral ties during first round of FOC. All details inside
Sat, Dec 06 2025
Centre imposes temporary fare caps as ticket prices defy gravity amid IndiGo meltdown
Sat, Dec 06 2025
Why only IndiGo collapsed into severe flight chaos — ex-AirAsia CFO reveals the real reason
Sat, Dec 06 2025