Irom Sharmila makes waves in J&K

Tribune News Service

Shillong, June 7

Irom Chanu Sharmila, better known as the Iron Lady of Manipur for her legendary 16-year fast against the “draconian” Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act for upholding the dignity of Manipur women in particular and people of Northeast in general, is making waves in Kashmir.

Sharmila, along with Sanjay Nahar, founder of ‘Sarhad’, met J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti this week in Srinagar. She was given a warm reception by the CM and was wholeheartedly welcomed at all places she visited, said Dr Alaka Sarma, social activist from North East India.

Sharmila is the brand ambassador of AAASSH, a forum being promoted by Sarhad, Pune, which works for nation building by going deep into problems being faced by the communities living in border areas and intensifying people-to-people contact. AAASSH provide a platform to market products produced by women artisans from conflict-prone zones.

Starting in Pune, the plan is to open outlets in important cities of Maharashtra and other states of the country. It will help generate employment for women in conflict zones and get to learn about the communities and the problems they face during the long periods of turmoil.

Sharmila has been touring different parts of Kashmir for the last few days, understanding the plight of Kashmiri women and children. She has met the chairperson of the Women Commission, Kashmir, and interacted with girls students and women. She was asked a number of questions regarding people and culture of Manipur and the Northeast.