Irom Sharmila arrested again

Imphal, Mar 10 (ANI): Human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, who was released from prison on the occasion of International Women's Day was rearrested here on Monday.

She was picked up by the State Police after she refused to end her eight-year long hunger protest. She has been on a continuous fast for the past nine years demanding complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958.

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36-year-old Sharmila began her fast in 2000 to protest against human rights abuses. But she was soon arrested and charged with attempted suicide.

Sharmila has since been force-fed by nasal tube in a government-run hospital in Imphal.

She had said she would fast until the government repeals the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which gives soldiers sweeping powers.harmila has vowed to continue with her struggle.

"I think all of us should support her, specially the State Government. The State Government has to see into it what is happening in the State and the law and order situation. She is fighting an oppressive system," said Suchitra, an independent journalist, incidentally not from Manipur.

Sharmila has become an iconic figure for the militants in Manipur since launching her hunger strike after soldiers allegedly shot ten young men at a bus stop in a small town there. (ANI)