Irom Sharmila, an activist and well-known as ‘Iron Lady of Manipur’ has launched her new political party ahead of the Manipur Assembly Elections next year. The Name of her party is ‘Peoples Resurgence And Justice Alliance’ (PRAJA) and Irom will contest the elections as she announced when she breaks her 16-year long fast this year.
Talking about the principles of her party, Irom Sharmila said that, “Her party would be based on the principles of justice, understanding, love and peace.”
Her new party’s pledge said PRAJA will “work for the repeal of AFPSA and take a stand against all acts of violence and militarization.” “That by word and action, we will use only non-violence as a means to achieve our political ends,” reads the pledge, which also says that PRAJA will work to promote gender justice, economic resilience and self-reliance of the people.
Somehow, she has announced to contest against the CM of the state since 2002, Okram Ibobi Singh, as he represents from Thoubal constituency.
Irom Sharmila also announced that she will contest two assembly seats, Thoubal and Khurai. And she also hopes to field at least 20 candidates for Manipur’s 60 seats.
As 44-years old Irom Sharmila had ended a 16-year fast in protest against alleged army atrocities in Manipur two months ago, she had vowed to continue her crusade politically, also stating that she would take on Mr Singh.
“This is my life. I want equality… I am called the Iron Lady of Manipur and I want to live up to it,” Irom Sharmila had said when she ended her fast in August. Apart from politics, she had also said she would like to get married.
Brief about the Irom Sharmila’s 16-Years of hunger-strike
Ms Sharmila had launched her hunger strike in 2000 after 10 people were killed in firing by security forces. She fasted for the next 16 years demanding the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA that gives the army sweeping emergency powers to search, enter the property and shoot at sight.
