A court has ordered the release of Manipur activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on fast for more than 13 years demanding the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur.

Sharmila was arrested on charges of attempt to commit suicide. The court says there is lack of evidence in the attempted suicide case against her. 

She has been on a fast since November 4, 2000 demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958. She is booked under section 309 IPC. The law permits the authority to detain her for one year at one go. At the end of each year she is released.

But then she is invariably rearrested since she continues the fast in front of her supporters.

Also read: The tragedy of being Irom Sharmila.