Inspiring Woman Of The Day

Fasting for over a decade, Irom Sharmila has been fighting for her people of Manipur with silent resilience and sheer determination.

In November 2000, 10 civilians were allegedly shot dead in Malom, Manipur. Known as the Malom Massacre, this tragic incident was the trigger that forced Sharmila to embark on a non-violent fast, demanding the Indian government to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act – AFSPA. The AFSPA allows the Army to use force, shoot or arrest anyone without a warrant on mere suspicions. Many feel that instead of controlling insurgent groups as it was meant to, the act has instead victimized innocent civilians.

Known as the Iron Lady of Manipur, Sharmila has been fasting for more than a decade for her cause. While other activists and politicians who go on fasts are immediately attended to, strangely Sharmila’s appeals have made an excruciating slow progress indeed. Arrested every year under charges of attempted suicide, Sharmila is force-fed through a nasal tube. Years of fasting has led to a severe weakening of her body and deterioration of her health.

Why we find her inspiring:

– When we find it difficult to skip even one meal a day, Sharmila has not eaten anything for more than 11 years. Need we say anything more to demonstrate her conviction?

– For believing that non-violence can win even in this day – in a world filled with blood and gore

– For being focused on her vision and never wavering from her chosen path

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– For willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good of society

*Photo credit: The Hindu

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