Diktat on Sharmila decried

GUWAHATI, Aug 7 - The Patriotic People�s Front, Assam (PPFA) has expressed shock and utter dismay over the diktat issued by some rebel elements in Manipur on Irom Sharmila Chanu over her decision to end her hunger strike, join politics and get married.

�Instead of showing respect to the lady for her prolonged sacrifice, they (rebels) want to extract benefits out of Sharmila�s movement,� the forum said.

Sharmila has been on indefinite fast since November 2000, demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur.

She was nasal-fed by doctors at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal to keep her alive all these years. But, her recent declaration that she would end her fast on August 9 surprised many. Her decision should be respected and nobody should dictate terms to her as she prepares to lead a new life, PPFA said.

Staff Reporter

�Instead of showing respect to the lady for her prolonged sacrifice, they (rebels) want to extract benefits out of Sharmila�s movement,� the forum said.

Sharmila has been on indefinite fast since November 2000, demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur.