Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, who was acquitted by a court of the charge of attempt to suicide, resumed her 15-year-long indefinite fast at the historic Sahid Minar in Imphal on Tuesday demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the state.

Sharmila, who was released from judicial custody by the chief judicial magistrate of Imphal West on Monday, came out of the special ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital here and headed for Sahid Minar with a large number of supporters.

After reaching the site, she resumed her fast to press her demand.

She also told media that she would continue her non-violent protest and added that violent means are not the proper way to solve the unrest in the state.   Sharmila had started her fast in 2002 demanding the repeal of the Act which she termed 'draconian'.

Sharmila refused to undergo a health check-up after a medical team of the JNIMS approached her at the venue of her fast, police said.

The 'Iron Lady' is currently being guarded by a large number of police personnel and hospital staff and is being supported by a large number of social activists in her non-violent protest.