Introduction In the conflict-ridden state of Manipur, where violence and military presence have long shaped daily life, one woman chose a path of peace that echoed across the globe. Irom Sharmila, also known as the "Iron Lady of Manipur," transformed silent resistance into a powerful weapon. Her 16-year-long hunger strike, one of the longest in human history, was not just a protest—it was a testament to courage, conviction, and the strength of non-violence. Sharmila’s fight was against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a law many accused of enabling…