'Iron Lady' Irom Sharmila to end 16-year fast on August 9, contest elections in Manipur

New Delhi: Leading human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, popularly known as Manipur's 'Iron Lady', will reportedly end her 16-year long fast on August 9 and contest upcoming polls in this north-eastern state.

I will break my fast as the Government has failed to give any positive response, will fight elections to resolve the issues, Irom Sharmila was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The 42-year-old Irom has been on a hunger strike since November 2000, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

Irom began her hunger strike to protest against the death of 10 Manipuris who were shot dead by the Assam Rifles in Imphal.

Irom was arrested and released from jail several times under Section 309 for attempted suicide.

She had so far rejected allegations that she was trying to commit suicide, and maintained that she is on hunger strike demanding repeal of AFSPA.

Irom Sharmila had earlier rejected Aam Aadmi Party's offer to contest Lok Sabha elections under its banner from the inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat in 2014.

Despite repeated calls to withdraw the AFSPA from UN experts as well as national and international groups, the Act continues to be enforced.