'My campaign for repeal of AFSPA continues': Sharmila

Ms Sharmila, who is still in the Jawaharlal Nehru of Institute of Medical Sciences, said she had just decided to change the course of action of the fight.

She said her primary thought was to enter politics to fight her cause. Matters related to marriage or going to her house were not immediately on her mind, she added.

She was not happy with the mixed response of the people of Manipur and she clarified that she had not stopped her stir. For now, she will not be going to her house as she has not yet achieved her mission, repeal of AFSPA.

Doctors at JNIMS said Ms Sharmila has to continue taking liquid food for some time as the muscles in the esophagus have weakened due to non-use. Constant vigil of her health is a must and the doctors have advised her to be in the hospital for the entire month.

There has been mixed responses from the masses and many felt Ms Sharmila had abandoned her fight against the draconian act. The AFSPA has been rejected by the masses as it empowers the Army to kill anybody on mere suspicion. 

A recent inquiry by the Supreme Court had found that all cases taken up were found to be fake encounters even though the Army and security personnel claimed the killings were encounters.

Ms Sharmila further said she wants to politically confront Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in his home turf Thoubal as an Independent candidate and become the CM. She will then continue her struggle for repeal of AFSPA. 

Organisation like 'Save Sharmila' has opposed her decision to end her fast. But many citizens felt there was nothing wrong in changing tactic as she has given up her best years. Many opined that the central government will never agree to repeal AFSPA as it will not want to displease the Army. 

Even former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said that AFSPA needed to be replaced with a more humane law. Former Union minister P Chidambaram and all other Commissions formed to look into the AFSPA had suggested its repeal.