As Irom Sharmila prepares to break her 16 year-long fast demanding the repeal of AFSPA, Amnesty International supported her, saying saying that the time was right for dismantling the law. 

At a hearing in a local court, Irom Sharmila said, “I have been fasting for the last 16 years. I haven’t got anything from it yet. I am ending my fast today. I want to try a different agitation now. I will contest against the Chief Minister of Manipur in the upcoming state elections.” The activist signed a bail bond and is likely to be released on bail soon.

“Irom Sharmila’s hunger strike over the last 16 years has been a testament to her passion for human rights, and her belief that a draconian law like the AFSPA has no place in any society.  The government arrested her, confined her to a hospital room and force fed her for 16 years, seemingly to break her will.  There was zero dialogue. A peaceful protest was criminalized,” said Abhirr VP, Senior Campaigner with Amnesty International India, in a media release.

“Irom Sharmila’s decision to break her hunger strike gives India another chance to start a dialogue and recognize how the AFSPA has alienated Manipur for over 35 years,” he added.

Amnesty International India also called for 35-year-old AFSPA rule to be repealed from the state, and added that the draconian law had isolated Manipur for over three decades, providing a leeway for human rights violations.