Imphal: While Indians seem to be exulting in Anna Hazare's successful fast, far away in Manipur, there is a voice that seems to going unheard. Irom Sharmila has been on fast for 3,763 days today, just short of 11 years. Called the 'Iron lady of Manipur,' she is fasting to demand the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives the armed forces wide ranging powers to shoot, arrest and search civilians.
Irom Sharmila was invited by Team Anna to join Anna Hazare's fast at Ramlila grounds in Delhi. But she was not able to go because she is in judicial custody. In an interview to NDTV she expressed disappointment with the Hazare movement saying, "It's (Anna Hazare's movement) somewhat artificial, how can we eradicate corruption? In my case I am a simple woman who wants to reform society. I have no idea about social activists or social workers."
Despite her disappointment with Hazare, Irom Sharmila said that she had no objection to meeting the veteran Gandhian. Reacting to reports that Hazare may come to Imphal to meet her, she added that he was welcome to come, as long as his conscience allowed it.
Irom Sharmila also expressed her disappointment with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for failing to keep his promise of amending the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). "I don't like his (the Prime Minister's) leadership. When he couldn't keep his promise, it is a shame". Singh had made the promise in 2004.
Irom Sharmila was invited by Team Anna to join Anna Hazare's fast at Ramlila grounds in Delhi. But she was not able to go because she is in judicial custody. In an interview to NDTV she expressed disappointment with the Hazare movement saying, "It's (Anna Hazare's movement) somewhat artificial, how can we eradicate corruption? In my case I am a simple woman who wants to reform society. I have no idea about social activists or social workers."
Despite her disappointment with Hazare, Irom Sharmila said that she had no objection to meeting the veteran Gandhian. Reacting to reports that Hazare may come to Imphal to meet her, she added that he was welcome to come, as long as his conscience allowed it.
Irom Sharmila also expressed her disappointment with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for failing to keep his promise of amending the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). "I don't like his (the Prime Minister's) leadership. When he couldn't keep his promise, it is a shame". Singh had made the promise in 2004.
source: ndtv
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