Ms. Sharmila’s hunger strike has been waged in relative isolation. PhotoNEW DELHI — One of India’s most prominent human rights activists made a surprising announcement this week, saying she would end a 15-year hunger strike against a law shielding the armed forces from prosecution. She vowed that she would not end her fast until the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was repealed. But because her appearances and interviews are relatively rare, Ms. Sharmila is still something of an enigma. “I think she will be angry if she hears this.”But the toll of a life on the margins may have affected Ms. Sharmila’s decision.

Source: International New York Times July 27, 2016 18:32 UTC