Known internationally for her fight against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Manipur's Iron lady, Irom Sharmila is seemingly facing an 'identity crisis'. The rights' activist, who wants to pursue her fight against AFSPA politically now, has no document to prove her identity.
Sharmila had ended her 16-year-long fast on August 9 this year and announced that she would contest the election against Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh next year. The problem now is that Sharmila does not have any legal document to prove that she is an Indian citizen.“For me, the biggest challenge now is to get the documents like voter's Id, PAN card, bank account etc, required not only to contest elections, but also to travel outside Manipur. “I have been receiving invitation from different parts of the country. People want me to take the fight against AFSPA far and wide. As I will have to travel outside Manipur to meet people, I am in urgent need of these documents,” Sharmila told reporters outside the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate in Imphal on Tuesday. She said that she would like to visit the atribal-dominated areas of Ukhrul District in Manipur and garner support against AFSPA if her health allows her to travel. “I have got invitation from people in Delhi to take part in the solidarity meet against the AFSPA. I am also invited to Punjab where youth from 30 countries across the globe are gathering shortly,” she said.