Rights activist Irom Sharmila on Monday announced the name of her party as People’s Resurgence Justice Alliance (PRJA). While launching her party in Imphal, she informed that her party will contest the Manipur assembly elections, which are due in 2017.
“We hope to bring about a political change in Manipur where draconian laws like AFSPA will not trouble the common man,” Sharmila said, announcing the party.
She had declared in August that she wanted to become the chief minister of Manipur so that she could repeal the contentious AFSPA in the state.
She said, her party would be based on the principles of justice, understanding, love and peace. Ms Sharmila will contest two assembly seats, Thoubal and Khurai, and said she hopes to field at least 20 candidates for Manipur’s 60 seats.
Thoubal is the assembly constituency of Okram Ibobi Singh of the Congress, who has been the state’s chief minister since 2002. As Irom Sharmila had ended a 16-year fast in protest against alleged army atrocities in Manipur two months ago, she had vowed to continue her crusade politically, also stating that she would take on Mr. Singh.
Sharmila had been on a hunger strike for 16 years, demanding a repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Manipur and was force-fed during this period.
She ended her fast on August 9, 2016. At the time, she had told reporters that after being released that she would launch her political party to contest the Manipur Assembly election due early next year.
“To end fast is not the end of my movement. There will be a new beginning,” Sharmila had said.
The activist had repeatedly said that she wanted to become the chief minister of the state so that she could fight for repeal of AFSPA.
Sharmila had declared in August that she wanted to become the state CM so that she could repeal the contentious AFSPA.
