The longest hunger strike

Meet Irom Chanu Sharmila: The Civil Rights Activist Whose Hunger Strike Against The Controversial AFSPA In Manipur For 500 Weeks Made Her ‘The Iron Lady Of Manipur’ 

Irom Sharmila as a Manpuri Journalist grew up with a strong loyalty to the land. She actively espoused social issues during her college days and participated in rallies to protest against violation of civil rights. 

It was the incident at Malom called as Malom Massacre that made Irom Sharmila to take a drastic step. In November 2000, 10 civilians were killed in a shooting allegedly perpetrated by the Assam Rifles, which is part of the Indian Paramilitary forces. Among the victims were a 62 year old woman and an 18 year old boy. The incident outraged Sharmila to such an extent that she announced a fast unto death, unless the AFSPA was revoked. Having refused food and water for more than 500 weeks, she has been called “the world’s longest hunger striker“.

Just three days after her protest, Sharmila was arrested for “attempt to commit suicide” which is considered an offence under the Indian Penal Code. She was later transferred to judicial custody, where her deteriorating health condition caused the authorities to feed her through a tube attached to her nose.

What is AFSPA?

The armed force special power act was passed in 1958 by the parliament. It comprises of six sections in which it grants special powers to the armed forces in ‘disturbed areas’. The U.N too has questioned the validity and constitutionality of the AFSPA and termed it as “dated and colonial-era law that breach contemporary international human rights standard.” The U.N has urged India to revoke the act.

International Attention and Honours

Her historic protest has not only garnered international attention but has also won Sharmila many awards and honours. Sharmila is also the recipient of Gwangju Prize for Human Rights which includes a $125,000 prize money. She donated this money to the victims of human rights violation in Manipur. In 2010, Sharmila won a lifetime achievement award from the Asian Human Rights Commission. She has refused to accept any award until her demand of repealing AFSPA is fulfilled, which she probably considers to be the best reward for her struggle.

Her struggle may be ongoing, but that does not mean success has been elusive. The mere fact that modification of AFSPA is now being discussed in party meetings and among political leaders is a testament to her achievement. In October 2013, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) ordered the state government to lift restrictions imposed on access to Sharmila.

All these are suggestive of the progress she has made. Sharmila has fought a long and hard battle for the preservation of civil rights and the time to savour victory is not far away.