Irom Sharmila forms new political party, to contest against Ibobi

Human rights activist Irom Sharmila launched a new political party, 'People Resurgence and Justice Alliance' in Imphal on Tuesday.

She said she will contest against Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi from Thoubal constituency in the 2017 assembly elections. She will also contest from Khurai, her home constituency, she added.

Sharmila said, "I want to become the Chief Minister to repeal the AFSPA... since Ibobi has kept all sections of the people in his constituency satisfied they may reject me. But I want to know whether people in other districts in general and the hills in particular are well looked after. Since my mission is to repeal the AFSPA I am throwing the gauntlet to the Chief Minister."

She further disclosed that her party will field 20 candidates and names of four candidates have been finalised. 

Earlier in the day, she visited Johnstone Higher Secondary School in the heart of Imphal city where the first session of the elected Assembly of Manipur was held on October 18, 1948. 

"Since this is the cornerstone of democracy I have come seeking blessings," Sharmila said. 

Sharmila, known as India's 'Iron lady', had in August broken her 16-year-long fast against Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and said that she would contest the Manipur Assembly elections due in 2017. She had been fasting since November 2, 2000.