Family Rallies Around Irom Sharmila, Support Move To End Hunger Strike

Imphal: For 16 years, the world has seen Irom Sharmila strapped to tubes. That is about to change. The 44-year-old iconic activist, who had carried on the world's longest hunger strike, will end it next month and contest elections as an Independent candidate.

Sharmila began her protest for people like 64-year-old Sinam Chandrajini who lost her sister and two sons in a firing incident at the Malom bus stop in Imphal in November 2000 that cost 10 lives.

The allegation was that Assam Rifles personnel had killed 10 civilians in what is alleged to be a fake encounter.

Sharmila demanded that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, that gives the army sweeping emergency powers in the northeastern state, be repealed.

 "I have lost two sons but I still cannot do what Sharmila did," said Chandrajini, whose 17-year-old son Sinam Chandramani had won a national bravery award for saving his brother from drowning.

"I want Sharmila to live and I support her in her demand to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, even if she fights as a politician," Chandrajini told NDTV.

Sharmila's aides also feel the support will not stop if she gives up the fast and contests elections.

Kshetrimayum Onil, Trustee of Just Peace Foundation and long-time aide of Sharmila, said, "It has nothing to do with lack of momentum or lack of supporters. Support is strong in Manipur as well as other parts of India."

Though, initially surprised, Sharmila's family is preparing for the political battle ahead.

Sharmila's niece Irom Sunibala told NDTV fasting or not, she would support her aunt.

"First she is my aunt and secondly she is a Manipuri lady. She said she will stop her fast but it does not mean she stop fighting against AFSPA. She will fight it through a different route, the political route," she added.