Iron Lady Of Manipur Calls Anna Hazare Campaign 'Somewhat Artificial'

Imphal, Sep 1: Irom Sharmila, who has been on fast close to 11 years to demand the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, feels Anna Hazare's campaign against corruption is "somewhat artificial."

Called the 'Iron lady of Manipur', 37-year-old Sharmila also urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to treat her like Hazare, who on Sunday ended his 12-day fast against corruption that shook the nation.

"It's (Anna Hazare's movement) somewhat artificial, how can we eradicate corruption? In my case I am a simple woman who wants to reform society. I have no idea about social activists or social workers," she told TV channels today.

Sharmila, however, said she revered the 74-year-old crusader against corruption.

From: http://ping.fm/C4owC