Iron Lady of Manipur Irom

Sharmila Chanu
Submitted by: PGP/01/14
PGP/01/41

Irom Sharmila- Motivation

A civil rights activist, political activist, poet.

Known as Iron lady of Manipur or Mengoubi ( the fair one).

Began fasting at the age of 28, currently 43.

She led the Worlds Longest Hunger Strike which is still continuing.

Followed non violent protest against AFSPA to be repealed.

AFSPA introduced on 18th august 1958 in J&K and north eastern states.

AFSPA, described as a draconian law, gave unlimited power to security forces.

Malom Massacre(2nd Nov 2000) was the reason for her ongoing protest.

Kunan Poshpoora village incident (1990)-Kashmir army raped the whole village

Struggles faced

Fast entered 15th Year this March, over 700 weeks.

Surviving on forced nose feeding by the government.

Nasogastric intubation forced down her windpipe to keep her breathing.

Arrested every year on charges of attempted suicide, first arrest 7 November

2000.

Sharmila- If government does not repeal AFSPA, India will lose Manipur.

Consequences and Results

Overtook Mahatma Gandhi with her fasting credits.

Shook government with her resilient efforts.

Justice Jeevan Reddy recommended full repeal of AFSPA(2012).

AFSPA removed from few parts of Imphal but the law still remains.

Government failed to recognize that AFSPA has not achieved its purpose.

Gain support from national and international organizations.

Solidarity fast for support at Jantar Mantar(14 March 2015).

Voted as top woman icon of India by msn poll(2014).

References

https://www.quora.com/Why-does-Irom-Sharmila-want-AFSPA-to-be-removed

Burning Bright - Irom Sharmila and the struggle for peace in Manipur (Deepti
Priya Mehrotra)

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-the-irom-lady-of-manipur-is-free-stru
ggle-to-continue-2012185

http://
www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/irom-sharmila-the-iron-lady-of-manipur-ir
om-chanu-sharmila-afspa-40807.html

Thank You