Manipur’s rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila was released from judicial custody on Monday. 

Sharmila who is on fast for the last 15 years is being force-fed through her nose after she went on fast seeking the repeal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Imphal West issued the release order and her supporters came out in strength to greet her.  “Sharmila has decided to continue her fast from Monday night itself,” one of her supporter from Imphal said.

Rearrest
Sharmila was released in January 2015, but again rearrested after she continued her fast.

Manipur’s ‘iron lady’ was lodged in a security ward of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in the state capital Imphal.