Irom chanu sharmila

Irom chanu sharmila also known as “IRON LADY OF MANIPUR”. She is a civil activist and a poet from the Indian state Manipur.

On 2 november 2000, she began her hunger strike which is still ongoing. She has refused food and water for about 500 weeks. It was the world’s longest hunger strike. She is currently undergoing a trial.

In 2014, she was offered to contest in the elections from Aam Aadmi Party and Indian National Congress. But she denied both requests saying that she is not a politician but a protestor. In the same year she submitted an application to cast her vote, but was refused under section 62 (5).

Beginning of fast:

In the year 2000 ten civilians were shot dead while waiting at a bus stop. The incident was termed as “Malom Massacre”. This was allegedly done by Assam Rifles. The victims included an old women of 62 years and a 18 year old boy.

At that time Sharmila was 28 years old. She stared the fast in order to protest against the happening. In the beginning she denied to take neither food nor water.

Three days later she began her strike and was arrested by the police under the attempt of suicide. Afterwards she was transferred to the judicial custody.

Her demands:

Since she started her hunger strike she was arrested number of times. Her primary demand was to complete the repeal of AFSPA.

Legal battles:

The iron lady had to face charges of attempting suicide. She has been forced many times to stop her fasting. Since the maximum attempt of suicide is one year and she had been held for more than 6 years. But she stresses that she is not attempting any suicide but is protesting.

International awards:

Irom was awarded :Gwangju Prize for human rights, in the year 2007. Adding to it in the year 2009 she was awarded with the first Mayilama Award for her non-voilent struggle. In the year 2010 she won “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Asian Human Rights Commission.

Our entire team of Calgary Indians wish the strong lady success in her noble thoughts.