Irom Sharmila, known as ‘Iron Lady Of Manipur’

 Irom Sharmila Chanu-

Irom Sharmila Chanu, also known as the “Iron Lady of Manipur,” gained international attention for her prolonged hunger strike as a protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in India. Here’s a detailed overview of Irom Sharmila’s story:

Irom Sharmila – Background:

She was born on March 14, 1972, in Imphal, Manipur, India. Manipur, has faced decades of insurgency and conflict. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was imposed in the region to grant special powers to the armed forces to maintain law and order.

Information about Irom Sharmila’s family background is not extensively documented. Here is a general overview based on available information:

Irom Sharmila – Personal life-

Irom Sharmila Chanu was born on March 14, 1972, in Imphal, Manipur, India. Her family hails from the state of Manipur, which has a rich cultural and historical background.Her Father is Irom c Nanda and mother is Irom Ongbi Sakhi . Her husband name is Desmond Anthony Bellarnine Coutinho.She has two children Nix Shakhi and Autumn Tara .

The Incident that Sparked the Protest:

 November 2, 2000, a tragic incident occurred in Malom, a town near Imphal, where ten civilians were allegedly killed by the Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force. The incident deeply affected Irom Sharmila, prompting her to take a drastic step in protest against the AFSPA.

 The Hunger Strike:

On November 5, 2000, she began her hunger strike, promising not to eat or drink until the Indian government repealed the AFSPA. She selected this type of protest to highlight the armed forces’ draconian capabilities, which include the ability to detain without a warrant and employ deadly force if necessary.

Legal and Medical Interventions:

Sharmila’s hunger strike lasted an astonishing 16 years, during which she was arrested several times by the government. However, she was not force-fed since the authorities respected her freedom to protest peacefully. During this time, she was primarily held in court custody or under house arrest. In 2016, Irom Sharmila chose to call off her hunger strike, citing her dissatisfaction that her protest had not produced the intended effects. She also opted to enter mainstream politics with the goal of effecting change through democratic means.

Political Endeavors:

Irom Sharmila stopped her hunger strike in August 2016 and announced her desire to run for Manipur’s elections. She founded the People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), which ran in the 2017 Manipur Legislative Assembly elections. Nevertheless, she did not get a seat.

 Life Post-Hunger Strike:

Following the electoral defeat, Irom Sharmila remained active in activism, pushing for human rights and justice. While her hunger strike raised awareness about AFSPA, the law remains in effect, and the debate over its necessity and impact continues. Irom Sharmila’s tale is one of tremendous fortitude and resilience, and she continues to be an inspiration in the battle for human rights and justice in crisis zones. She hasn’t written a book, but there are books and documentaries on her life, activism, and the subjects she’s advocated for. It is likely that fresh breakthroughs or publications will occur beyond that date.

1 Books and Articles:

 “Burning Bright: Irom Sharmila and the Struggle for Peace in Manipur” by Deepti Priya Mehrotra: This book provides an in-depth look at Irom Sharmila’s life, her hunger strike, and the socio-political context of Manipur.

2. Documentaries:

   – “Bloody Phanek” (2015): A documentary by Manipuri filmmaker Sonia Nepram that explores the impact of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur and features Irom Sharmila’s struggle.

   – “Where the Elephants Weep” (2016): Directed by Nandita Dutta, this documentary also covers Irom Sharmila’s story and the larger issue of conflict in Manipur.

3. Irom Sharmila’s Autobiography: 

She has expressed her desire to write her autobiography to share her experiences and perspectives. However, as of my last update, I am not aware of any autobiography published by her.

It’s recommended to check more recent sources or official statements from Irom Sharmila for any updates on her literary works or publications .

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