Irom Sharmila says she wants to take her agitation against AFSPA to other parts of India.
Two weeks after she broke her fast, Manipur's Iron Lady Irom Sharmila says she is ready to take her battle against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act to other states. But there appears to be a stumbling block: She has no documents that confirm her identity - Pan card, Aadhar card or passport -- without which it is virtually impossible for anyone to book flight tickets.
Her friends and colleagues are working on getting her documents.
Appearing before a court in Imphal today, Irom said she had received several invitations to join movements across the country and she would be going there soon.
"I want to have a mass campaign against AFSPA in Delhi and I want to participate in a novel peace initiative by youth from 30 countries," Irom told the media.
But till she gets her documentation done, she will stay in the hospital where she spent 16 years during her fast, she said. Her supporters had accompanied her to the court premises, carrying placards.
When she broke her fast, announcing her intention to marry and shift her protest onto a political platform, many, including meira paibis -- the mothers of Manipur -- had rejected her. From being an icon in the state, she had suddenly found herself friendless and homeless.
But since then, there has been a softening of stand.
The 44-year-old rights activist has not changed her intention of joining politics. "Yes, I want to become Chief Minister. If I am Chief Minister I can repeal the most unpopular AFSPA," the activist had said.