This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

Irom Sharmila To Take On Manipur CM Ibobi In Assembly Polls

Ibobi has been CM for the last three terms.
PTI

IMPHAL -- Irom Sharmila, who fasted for 16 years to demand the repeal of AFSPA, on Monday formally announced she will take on Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in assembly polls.

Sharmila ended her fast against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA on August 9 last year.

Okram Ibobi Singh has been the Chief Minister for the last three terms after getting elected from Thoubal constituency.

Sharmila said: "During his 15 years of leadership he has not done anything to repeal AFSPA. Since I realise that no politician shall repeal it, I am planning to contest the election, become the Chief Minister and repeal it."

The Chief Minister accused her of not speaking the truth.

He said AFSPA was lifted from seven assembly segments in the Imphal Municipal Corporation with a promise to lift from other areas if there was a positive response, he said.

Referring to the general impression that she had given up her campaign against AFSPA, Sharmila said: "It is my unshakable objective to repeal it. I have merely changed tactics."

Also on HuffPost India

'Indica: A Deep Natural History Of The Indian Subcontinent' Is More Compelling Than Sci-Fi

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.