Here's The Powerful Moment When Irom Sharmila Broke Her Fast After 16 Years

    The "Iron Lady of Manipur" had been on a hunger strike since 2000 to protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

    Sahil Rizwan
    by Sahil Rizwan

    Social News Reporter, India

    On Nov. 2, 2000, Manipuri civil rights activist Irom Sharmila began what would become the world's longest hunger strike, to protest the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

    Biju Boro / AFP / Getty Images

    The controversial law allows the country’s military to use force in “disturbed areas” against suspected militants, and has often been misused.

    Earlier today, almost 16 years later, Sharmila broke her fast and said she plans to continue her fight against the law by contesting the state assembly elections in 2017.

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    Surrounded by a crowd of well-wishers and reporters, Sharmila broke down immediately after ending her strike with a dab of honey.

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    "I will never forget this moment," an overwhelmed Sharmila said.

    Twitter: @ANI_news

    "I want to join politics as I've been called the Iron Lady of Manipur andamp; I want to live upto that name," she added. "I am being the real embodiment of revolution, and I want to be the CM of Manipur to help people."

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    Imphal (Manipur): Irom Sharmila breaks down while ending her fast

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    Watch the extremely powerful moment here:

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    #WATCH: Irom Sharmila ends her fast after 16 years. She was on hunger strike, demanding repealing of AFSPA. https://t.co/ndGmoEuZu8

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