I heard about Sharmila long back skewed amongst the turmoil news that reached us each and every day from Manipur, which happens to be my hometown. Manipur is a beautiful place full of green plants, trees, rivers, mountains and is etched in the North-Eastern corner of India. Since last coupla days I’ve been reading a lot more about her as her fast is approaching its 6th anniversary. BBC Reports that her fast will complete 6 years in November, 2006 and is recorded as the longest political protest ever.
She is being force-fed through a pipe in her nose on the orders of the state administration. Sharmila, 35, has become an iconic political figure in Manipur. She is demanding the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act of AFSPA, which gives sweeping powers to the army in the state.
Sharmila began her fast after solders of the Assam Rifles paramilitary force allegedly killed 10 young Manipur men in Malom, Manipur (INDIA).
Sharmila arrived at Delhi on 4th October, 2006 from Manipur, to continue her epic fast on the streets of Delhi. She camped and slept on the footpaths of Delhi, at Jantar Mantar. On the night of 6th October, a large force of over 100 police personnel picked up Sharmila and detained her at AIIMS on charge of Attempted Suicide. She have refused all medical attention ever since. Six years without food, water. Her family and relatives are rarely allowed to meet her. She had been under arrest repeatedly on charge of Attempted Suicide by the government.
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