Guwahati: Irom Sharmila who has announced to end 16-year-old hunger strike on August 9, said on Wednesday that she was going to end her fast but not her battle against Armed Forces Special Power Act.
Clarifying that she was concerned about the response of the civil society too on her decision, activist Babloo Loitongbam who met her on Wednesday morning told this newspaper, “She told me that I could have ended the fast even today but just to known the opinion of the civil society, I have announced the date of August 9.”
Asserting that she was committed to continue her struggle even after breaking the fast, Mr Loitongbam said that she was disappointed with the response of the government and wanted to change her form of protest.
Pointing out that her prolonged fast has failed to draw the attention of the government, the noted human rights activist said, “We are going to extend our support to Irom Sharmila in whatever form she intends to continue her struggle.”
Informing that civil society groups of Manipur are meeting in Imphal on Wednesday to take note of Ms Sharmila’s announcements, Mr Loitongbam said that Ms Sharmila was also disappointed with poor response of the civil society.
He, however, admitted that announcement of Ms Sharmila, who was known as the Iron Lady of Manipur, has taken the entire civil society by surprise. Mr Loitongbam, however, clarified that they did not discuss anything about her plan to get married.
“It is her personal decision so I did not discuss that issue,” he said adding that he met her during the morning walk.
