Fasting didn’t help, I have only changed strategy: Sharmila

Imphal, Aug 23 (IANS) Irom Sharmila said on Tuesday that she had only changed her strategy against a law which gives sweeping powers to security forces as years of fasting against it had not helped.

"I have learned the hard way that my fasting has not had the desired result," the activist told the media after coming out of the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West, L. Tonsing.

Sharmila ended 16 years of fast on August 9, inviting criticism from many of her supporters.

"I have supporters at the national and international level. I plan to continue my campaign. I have not given up my campaign. I have only changed my strategy," she said.

In the court, some persons displayed handbills with slogans like "I support Sharmila".

Sharmila, who wants the Armed Forces Special Powers Act to go, has been living in a hospital since giving up her fast as most Imphal residents are reportedly not ready to provide her a house on rent.