'Iron Lady' Irom Sharmila confident of winning election

Casting her vote after 24 years, the Iron Lady of Manipur and PRAJA (Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance) chief, Irom Chanu Sharmila, on Saturday, expressed confidence about winning the Manipur assembly election.

After casting her vote at booth no. 3/39 of Khurai assembly constituency, the anti-AFSPA activist said, "I am fully confident of winning the election."

At 28, Sharmila went on a hunger strike, for 16 years, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

Meanwhile, youth in Manipur have reportedly said they will go for NOTA (None of the above) while voting. Speaking about this, Irom declared that her party represents the youth and the large turnout of youngsters at her party's rally proves this. She said, "Our Party represents youth for change, youth for vote. A huge crowd, including youngsters, attended our party rally."

Sharmila added, "Our fight is not for money and muscle power. We used money just for documentation."

The civil right activist revealed that she is residing in the house of a sympathizer in the constituency.

"We need candidates with clean background and that's why we rejected 20 candidates," Irom said.