Irom Chanu Sharmila

Overview

Irom Chanu Sharmila born Imphal, India March 14, 1972. Nonviolent Gandhian disciple; human rights advocate; journalist; poet. Known as the "Iron Lady of Manipur." Began hunger strike to protest civilian deaths at the hands of the Indian military, 2000-2016; due to hunger strike, has been repeatedly arrested for attempted suicide and force-fed via feeding tube.

Quotations

“[T]here was no other means to stop further violations by the armed forces against innocent people.” (K. Joshi interview, Mar. 25, 2006)

“I do not want to commit suicide. Mine is only a non-violent protest. . . I love life. I do not want to take my life but I want justice and peace.” (Independent, Mar. 4, 2013; photo worldpeoplesblog)