Irom Chanu Sharmila
Irom Chanu Sharmila (born 14 March 1972), also known as the "Iron Lady of Manipur" or "Mengoubi" ("the fair one"), is an Indian civil rights and political activist from the Indian state of Manipur. She is best known for her hunger strike, which lasted for 16 years, in protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA).
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Irom Chanu Sharmila was born on 14 March 1972 in Kongpal, Imphal, Manipur. She is the youngest of nine siblings. Sharmila grew up in a politically charged environment, which influenced her later activism.
Activism[edit | edit source]
Sharmila began her hunger strike on 2 November 2000, following the Malom Massacre, where ten civilians were killed by the Assam Rifles, one of the Indian paramilitary forces operating in Manipur. Her primary demand was the repeal of the AFSPA, which grants special powers to the Indian armed forces in "disturbed areas."
Hunger Strike[edit | edit source]
Sharmila's hunger strike is one of the longest in the world. She was arrested by the Manipur Police shortly after beginning her fast and was charged with "attempt to commit suicide," which is illegal under Indian Penal Code Section 309. She was kept alive through nasal force-feeding in a hospital in Imphal.
Release and Political Career[edit | edit source]
In August 2016, Sharmila ended her hunger strike, stating that she would continue her fight against AFSPA through political means. She announced her decision to contest the 2017 Manipur Legislative Assembly election. Sharmila formed a political party, the People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), but her party did not win any seats in the election.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
In 2017, Sharmila married Desmond Coutinho, a British citizen of Indian origin. The couple currently resides in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Irom Chanu Sharmila is widely regarded as a symbol of resistance and resilience. Her struggle has brought international attention to the human rights issues in Manipur and the controversial AFSPA.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958
- Human rights in India
- Manipur
- Civil rights movement in India
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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