 "Who is Irom Sharmila? 10 things to know")
Fifteen years after civil rights activist Irom Sharmila began a fast seeking the repeal of AFSPA, she is set to end it on Tuesday. She has also announced her decision to fight elections as an independent candidate in the Manipur polls, early next year.
“I will end my fast on August 9 and contest elections on an independent ticket," Sharmila said. She had just come out of a local court after attending a trial for attempting suicide.
Business Standard lists out ten things to know about the Iron Lady of Manipur.
How did it all start?
Sharmila began her protest in November 2000 against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) being implemented in the state. What prompted her to take up the fast was the killing of 10 people waiting at a bus stop in Malom (Manipur), a report in The Indian Express states.
No food, drink
As part of the protest, she decided to give up not just eating or drinking, but also combing her hair or looking at the mirror.
Life before Malom massacre
Life before Malom massacre
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The activist was a volunteer at the Human Rights Alert in 2000. Sharmila had come to the aid of people affected by violence, took part in protests and peace marches and also compiled cases.
AFSPA in focus
The Centre had passed the AFSPA which gave the armed forces the power to search properties without a warrant, arrest people and to use deadly force in case of a reasonable suspicion that the person is acting against the state.
Political platform
Sharmila has decided to contest as an independent candidate for Manipur elections. Earlier, she was approached by two parties in 2014 to fight the general elections, which she declined.
Education
Sharmila had dreams of becoming a doctor, but gave up on the ambition after realising she had no brains for it. She had not cleared her Class XII examination. She went on to do a course in journalism and has learnt stenography as well, the report adds.
Arrests
She faced her first arrest three days after her fast began on charges of attempted suicide. After that, she was force-fed through a nasal tube and has been surviving on it for one and a half decade. She has been arrested on many occasions.
Impact
The activist’s fight garnered attention from international media. In fact, according to a report in The New Indian Express, members of the European Parliament had written to the Centre seeking modification of the Act.
Awards
She has been awarded a lifetime achievement award from the Asian Human rights Commission, the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights, among others.
Personal life
She has expressed her intent to get married after coming out of prison. According to news agency PTI, she is known to have a boyfriend — a British national of Indian origin.