As Irom Sharmila ends 16 yr long strike, another Manipuri to sit on indefinite fast against AFSPA — Details inside

Imphal: Days after iconic rights activist Irom Sharmila ended her 16-year-old hunger strike, a 32-year-old woman from Manipur vowed to carry forward the protest against Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFSPA) by launching an indefinite fast. 

A mother of two girls, Arambam Robita Leima announced that she would begin her fast-unto-death at 10 am on Saturday at a community hall in Imphal West district.

Robita said she was not only demanding repeal of the 'draconian' AFSPA but also the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state adding that she has deep regards for Irom Sharmila and now wanted to continue her fight.

Meanwhile, leaders of several civil women organisations like Organisation for Indian Women Against Crime (OIWAC) and Salai Apunba Lup has requested Robita to not to embark on indefinite fasting and appealed to her to think about her two daughters. 

On August 9, Manipuri activist Shamila ended her 16-year-old fast on August 9 thus changing her strategy from a civilian protest to taking the political route for the removal of AFSPA from the north eastern states. 

Sharmila said that she looks forward to become the Manipur chief minister to achieve her goal and will continue to fight for removal of AFSPA. 

The 44-year-old had held up the world’s longest running fast and although she has stated her desire to become the chief minister, she is yet to announce a political leaning.