Imphal, July 27: Before Manipur rights crusader Irom Sharmila took the decision to contest the elections as an Independent candidate, she had toyed with the idea of using the platform of a political party to fight the election. She finally changed her mind after a "close associate" advised her against joining any party.

Sharmila, who has been fasting for nearly 16 years demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, yesterday stunned human rights firmaments by announcing an end to her fast, a decision to contest yesterday made the announcements before a group of reporters after coming out of an Imphal court where she made her routine appearance yesterday.

She did not consult her supporters - who have been closely working with her on the issue of armed forces act nor her family. Neither.

"We discussed the matter twice during our recent meetings. When she recently disclosed her desire to end the fast and join a political party, I advised her not to join any party or contest election," Suresh Singh told The Telegraph.

Describing himself as "a close associate" of Sharmila, Suresh Singh declined to name the party she had wanted to join. It is unlikely to have been the Congress that has been ruling the state for three consecutive terms under the leadership of chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh. Sharmila has been a strong critic of Ibobi Singh and his team, making blistering attacks for its alleged misrule and insensitivity.

Sharmila had turned down an offer from the Aam Aadmi Party to nominate her as its candidate in the 2004 Lok Sabha election. She also claimed to have rejected a request by Ibobi Singh to join the Congress in 2004.

Suresh Singh regularly met Sharmila in her hospital room. His association with her began when he assumed charge of medical director in 2006. He made it a point to visit her on the first day of every month to see her and also discuss the state's political situation. "I continued to meet her after my retirement in 2008. During one of our meetings, she confided in me her plan to end the fast, contest the election and continue the fight against the act."

Suresh Singh, who now runs Dr Suresh Centre for Foreign Studies and Placement, filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court in October 2002, seeking repeal of the army act. The final hearing on the PIL is likely to be held on August 8 and 9.

Suresh Singh is expecting a "positive" directive from the apex court concerning the army act that gives sweeping powers to the armed forces to enter houses, search and even kill on mere suspicion.

He also told Sharmila to wait till the August 8 and 9 apex court hearings before she makes the announcements, because he believed if the apex court passes a favourable judgment, she can find an honourable way that can take her to a new path.

Sharmila, however, chose not to wait. Suresh Singh believes that Sharmila's boyfriend Desmond Coutinho had influenced her to take the decision to end the fast and change her strategy of fighting the act.

"I strongly advised her not to join any party because she could not get support from all parties for her cause. I think because of my advice she decided on contesting as an Independent," he said.