Irom Sharmila says public apathy forced her to end fast.
Manipur's "Iron Lady" Irom Sharmila Chanu, who surprised many by announcing that she would end her 16-year-old fast next month, said that general "public apathy" to her 'struggle' forced her to take the decision.
The rights activist told the media that she was dismayed by the inability of the government to pay heed to her pleading for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) as well as apathy of the civilian bodies which had not given enough support to her fight. She expressed her disapproval of using school-going students during the agitation for implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the state.
Family and others close to the Iron Lady said that they were surprised too by her announcement and that they were not kept in the loop.
Irom's elder brother Singhajit, who has been with her throughout her struggle said he never knew she was going to terminate her fast.
"I haven't spoken to her in the last few days due to my bad health. I heard it from others about her decision," he told PTI.
Sharmila's long-time associate Babloo Loitongbam, Director of NGO Human Rights Alert Manipur, said he too was taken by surprise but can understand the reason behind her decision.
"If AFSPA has not been repealed in 15 years of her fast then it won't happen in another 30 years also," he said while admitting that he too was not kept informed about her decision.
Nobody is sure what prompted her to take the decision. Her associates say her British boyfriend may have played a crucial role in ensuring that she breaks her fast.
"But it is also her frustration at the government for not listening to the demands of the people. So she is changing her path from activism to politics. Her goal remains the same -
revocation of AFSPA," another associate said.
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