My opposers want me to be a martyr: Irom Sharmila

IMPHAL: A day after breaking her 16-year fast, Irom Sharmila Chanu said several people misunderstood her ideology while the civil society wants her to become their voice.

At the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences on Wednesday, Sharmila said, “Those opposing me, my decision, want me to be a martyr.” A section is miffed with Irom for her decision to join politics though she continues her fight against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

“I expected support from civil society. Unfortunately, nothing happened.” Ruing dirty politics, the human rights crusader said, “People misunderstood my real ideology. I am completely shaken.”

She admitted her love for Desmond Cutinho, a Goa-born British national, has been one of the factors behind her change of mind. “I am a human being. Give me some time. I have to be an embodiment of change and that’s why I am changing my strategy.”