I'm real person: Sharmila

Manipuri activist Irom Sharmila wants people to know she's a real person.

 

"...But I'm viewed as a strange person," Sharmila told Times Now, a day after she broke her 16-year fast. If you could call two spoons of honey and half a glass of Horlicks an actual meal, that is.

 

The publicity and the 'celebrity' surrounding her is still fazing her, it appears, reports TOI.

 

It may be too soon to say she's disillusioned, but she certainly sounds a tad fed up with all the talk about her supposedly getting married and other rumours.

 

"Without my knowledge they (people) have already idolized me. Without connecting with my real being (they have idolized me).

 

That's why my natural being can't be respected by them. This is the biggest problem," Sharmila said.

 

Sharmila wants to be seen as a real, normal human being, is what she said, her frail, halting tone betraying the struggle she has put her body through for 16 years.

 

The activist said her demand remains the repeal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a legislation that gives the armed forces extraordinary powers in "disturbed" regions.