Irom sharmila hopes to forge a global platform against draconian law(AFSPA)

The “Iron Lady” of Manipur, who concluded her 16-year-long fast demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) prior to the elections, hopes to forge a global platform to protest against the “draconian law.”

“I hope to travel far and wide to lobby against the law that did not befit the civilised world. This struggle has become a part and parcel of my life. I also wish to be considered as a human and not an activist who is placed on a separate pedestal,” she said, while interacting with media persons here on Monday.

Ms. Sharmila, who arrived in the city from Palakkad in her first-ever train journey, was extended a rapturous welcome at the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station by Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activists. During her visit to the State capital, the human rights activist called on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who pledged his support for her mission. She also visited Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission chairman V.S. Achuthanandan and CPI (M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

Speaking to media persons, she elaborated on her visit to Kerala, during which she has been able to “admire the beauty of the Arabian Sea for the first time”. “I have been able to interact with numerous people from various walks of life including intellectuals, politicians, senior citizens and students. The people of the State are socially conscious and advocates of high democratic values. This has been an uplifting experience for me,” she remarked.

On her drubbing in the Manipur elections, Ms. Sharmila said that the people of Manipur had been “hypnotised by money and muscle power.” Pointing out that the setback had been a learning experience, she remained confident of dedicating her ability and sense of responsibility for the betterment of the society.

Accusing both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being corrupt parties, she expressed hope that the new government would respect the sentiments of the people of Manipur. While welcoming the decision to lift the economic blockade in the State, Ms. Sharmila dubbed the move to be ‘political.’

Even while maintaining that she had bowed out of politics, the activist said that the Peoples’ Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), which she had floated, would survive and continue to progress. She was accompanied by journalist-turned-activist Basheer Madala and Najima Phundreimayum, the first Muslim woman to contest elections in Manipur.

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