Irom Sharmila resumes fast demanding repeal of AFSPA

Ms. Sharmila had started her fast in 2000 demanding the repeal of the Act which she termed "draconian".

In this October 07, 2015 file photo, Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila outside the Patiala House Courts . She is attending court in an attempt-to-commit suicide case while undertaking a fast unto death at Jantar Mantar in 2006 for her demand to repeal or lift the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) from Manipur.

Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, who was acquitted by a court of the charge of attempt to suicide, resumed her 15-year-long indefinite fast at the histroic Sahid Minar here on Tuesday demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the state.

Ms. Sharmila, who was released from judicial custody by the chief judicial magistrate of Imphal West on Monday, came out of the special ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital here and headed for Sahid Minar with a large number of supporters.

After reaching the site, she resumed her fast to press her demand.

She also told media that she would continue her non-violent protest and added that violent means are not the proper way to solve the unrest in the state.

Ms. Sharmila had started her fast in 2000 demanding the repeal of the Act which she termed “draconian”.