Irom Sharmila Launches Political Party

Activist Irom Sharmila launched her new political party, People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance, yesterday. The party will contest the Manipur Assembly elections next year.

Sharmila ended her 16-year fast against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur on August 9, saying that she would use politics to further her cause. She stated that she wanted to become chief minister in order to further her agenda.

In September, she met Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to seek advice on ways to defeat major political parties in Manipur.

Popularly known as the ‘Iron Lady of Manipur’, Sharmila has been arrested multiple times during the past 16 years. She was was only 28 years old when she started her protest. She was acquitted of her charges (she was facing attempted suicide charges) on October 5, this year.

Also Read: Six Things You Need to Know about Irom Sharmila

Eye on Imphal: The Irom Sharmila story