Human rights activist-turned-politican Irom Sharmila plans to get married after the upcoming Assembly elections in Manipur in March.
Sharmila made the announcement while speaking to reporters in Imphal on Thursday.
Sharmila had launched a fast unto death on 4 November 2000, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
Desmond Coutinho, an NRI originally from Goa, and Sharmila have been in love for a long time. He used to rush to Imphal to be with her whenever she was presented before a local court where she was tried for attempting to commit suicide.
Also Read: Wait For Me, My Love: Excerpts From Irom Sharmila’s Poetry
On one occasion, Coutinho was beaten up by angry women activists on the court campus after he was seen holding Sharmila's hand inside the courtroom.
One woman activist said: "In Manipur, it is socially not acceptable." Since then Coutinho had stopped coming to Imphal.
Manipur has been demanding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit system to restrict the entry and stay of non-locals. Some sections questioned Coutinho’s presence and also how Sharmila was provided a cellphone and laptop inside her prison room and why.
After his manhandling in the court complex, Coutinho has been critical of journalists, human rights activists and many others who were extending a helping hand to her during the protracted campaign.
Sharmila on Thursday apologised for Coutinho's rude behaviour.
She said: "On behalf of Desmond, I tender my apology and seek forgiveness."
Vitriolic attacks by Coutinho were posted on social media, which are expected to affect the upcoming polls here on 4 and 8 March. Sharmila is contesting the polls against Chief Minister Okram Ibobi. She has said that she hopes to become the Chief Minister to repeal the AFSPA.
When Sharmila ended her fast on 9 August 2016, she had no place to stay in Imphal, as the womenfolk, including her mother, did not welcome her. In fact, she had to return to her "home" for 16 years – the security ward in a hospital.
There are no signs to suggest that the powerful women activists in Manipur have forgiven her.
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