Irom Sharmila

Irom Sharmila is an Indian social and political activist known for her nearly 16-year-long hunger strike, starting in 2000, protesting against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur. This law allowed the military to conduct operations with broad powers, leading to concerns over human rights violations. Her nonviolent protest aimed to remove the Act and highlight issues of abuse and injustice faced by civilians. Despite ongoing health issues from her prolonged fast, she became a symbol of resistance and the fight for justice in India’s northeastern region.