'Iron Lady' Irom Sharmila filed her nomination papers on Thursday to contest from Thoubal constituency in the upcoming Manipur assembly elections.
"I am fighting the Chief Minister. I want to become the Chief Minister to repeal the AFSPA. I will work for economic independence and other welfare measures for the people," said Sharmila, who came in international limelight by continuing her fast-unto-death for 16 years to demand the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
Sharmila rode on a bicycle for 20 kilometres from Imphal to Thoubal to file her nomination, reported PTI.
The civil rights activist, a greenhorn in electoral battle, will be pitted against Congress candidate and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.
Thursday was the last day for filing the papers. The two-phased elections are slated to be held on March 4 and 8.
44-year-old Sharmila ended her indefinite hunger strike in August last year. She launched People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance in October last and said she will fight elections from Thoubal as well as Khurai, from where she hails.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who also filed his nomination papers on Thursday, wished her luck. "It is her democratic right to contest elections. My best wishes are with her," he said.