16 years ago when ten people had died in an encounter with the security forces, Irom Sharmila had started her hunger strike. She had adopted a democratic approach to protest thereby garnering support from people all across the globe. She came to be known as the ‘iron lady’. People of Manipur have a high regard for her. Political parties are now extending invitations to her since they are well aware that if she joins politics, there could be a major turnaround in Manipur’s political scene.