The Manipur activist Irom Chanu Sharmila will end her 16 years long Hunger strike today. The 44-years old strike against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. She told the court in July that she will end her hunger strike and run as an independent candidate in elections from Manipur.
In another set of events, Ex-CM of Arunachal Pradesh, Kalikho Pul was found dead around 9-10 am in the morning today. Some reports tell that he was under depression for some time and have committed suicide.
Irom started her fast 16 years ago when 10 Indian civilians were killed by Armed Forces.Since then she is force fed through tube. Most of her time has gone in the judicial custody in a hospital in Imphal.
Irom has received considerable attention from local and international media. She is one of the world’s longest hunger strikers.
Her brother Irom Singhajit told the Press Trust of India: “We don’t know where she will go after her release. If she wants to come home and stay with us, we are ready to welcome her. But it is her desire.”
AFSPA law gives freedom to Armed Forces to use their powers against those they suspect are acting against the state in “disturbed areas” of India. It is in effect in several Indian states, including in Manipur and Kashmir.