Imphal, Oct. 18: Rights crusader Irom Sharmila today announced her political party with the promise to fight for justice, peace and love among the people. She also announced her decision to take on chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on his own turf.
Sharmila, 44, who had announced her intention of entering the electoral battle to fight against injustice after ending her nearly 16-year hunger strike on August 9 this year, formed Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) with some youths who support her struggle. The announcement was made at Johnstone Higher Secondary School here.
The rights activist chose to make the announcement today as on this day in 1948 the first session of democratically elected Manipur Assembly had begun - before Manipur became a part of the Indian Union on October 15, 1949. "I choose this day to symbolise people's power," Sharmila said.
The Coalition for Indigenous Rights Campaign, a citizen's organisation, and the CPI held separate programmes here to commemorate the day.
So far, the new regional party has three candidates - Sharmila, Phundreimayum Najima (both co-conveners) and convener Erendro Leichombam - for the Assembly election likely to be held in February next year. "We have plans to field at least 20 candidates," Sharmila told reporters.
At the Manipur Press Club, Sharmila said she would contest elections from Thoubal, the constituency of Ibobi Singh, in Thoubal district and also from Khurai in Imphal East district. Khurai is at present represented by Congress MLA N. Bijoy Singh. "I decided to contest against the chief minister to demonstrate that I have the strength and energy to fight against anyone," Sharmila said.
Ibobi Singh is running his third term and the ruling Congress is in a neck and neck fight with the BJP this time.
Erendro, an associate professor and co-founder of Pragati School of Management, Guwahati, will contest from Thangmeiband constituency in Imphal city. Its sitting legislator is Kh. Joykishan Singh of the BJP. Najima, a rights activist, is the first Muslim woman candidate to contest an election in the state. She will contest from Wabagai constituency in Thoubal district. Its sitting legislator is Fajur Rahman of the Congress.
Erendro said the party was founded on four pillars - understanding, justice, peace and love. He said the party would not have any alliance with the Congress or the BJP but if any party believes in the four principles of the PRJA then there can be an alliance.
Sharmila said her party would use non-violence to fight for peace, justice and development to achieve her political goal of bringing in good governance.
Sharmila, who had visited various districts of Manipur and Delhi to consult youths and students on her "changed strategy" and consulted intellectuals in the state on her political move, said she would continue to meet people to identify their most important issues for designing the shape of her election campaign. She had earlier met Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and had also expressed her desire to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take their advice on how to devise a strategy to contest the Assembly poll. She had said that her sole agenda in contesting the election was to have the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) repealed from Manipur. Towards this purpose, she had begun her hunger strike on November 2, 2000 and ended it 16 years later on August 9 this year.
Sharmila also talked about setting up herbal medicine industry, generating employment, rooting out corruption at all levels and continuing her fight against AFSPA and for social and political justice.
The party leaders said they would not spend money or hold feasts to win votes. Instead the party would seek Rs 10 each from the people for use in election campaign.
The party is yet to be registered with the Election Commission. An ad hoc committee will run it till an executive committee is constituted.
Sharmila had started fasting on November 2, 2000 for repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act after 10 civilians were killed in indiscriminate firing by Assam Rifles troops at a bus stand. She ended her fast believing that she much change her strategy to achieve her goal. Sharmila, who was charged with attempt to commit suicide under Section 309 IPC as she fasted, was acquitted of the charges by an Imphal court on October 5.
There was mixed reaction from political parties in Manipur to Sharmila's announcement.
CPI state secretary Moirangthem Nara Singh welcomed Sharmila's decision to pursue a democratic and political movement. "I wish her success in her struggle and hope her party becomes a functioning political institution," he said.
BJP chief spokesperson Saikhom Tikendra Singh said "anyone is free to set up a political party. There are about 4,000 registered political parties in India. But only a few are active and functioning. The BJP does not have much to comment on her party."
Most of those who supported Sharmila during her fast are not a part of Sharmila's journey as a politician.
