INDIA – “Iron lady of Manipur” rearrested for hunger strike
17 March 2009 2:42 am

Irom Chanu Sharmila, known as the “Iron Lady of Manipur”, was arrested again on 9 March for resuming her hunger strike. For the last seven years she has been protesting against a law, which is said to justify killing and violence against women in the Northeast of India.

The police had released her about 48 hours before she was rearrested this time. Irom Chanu Sharmila has been in and out of police custody for attempted suicide. In custody she is forcibly fed with nasal drip.

Irom Chanu Sharmila is demanding a repeal of the repressive 1958 Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFPSA). According to human rights organisations, it has been used to justify murder of children and sexual violence against women in the area.

(Photo courtesy of The Telegraph, Calcutta)