Lamka, March 07 2009: Anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila is determined to continue her campaign until the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is repealed from all over Manipur.

Sharmila has been fasting unto death demanding withdrawal of AFSPA completely from Manipur for eight long years.

All these years, she has been languishing in the security ward of JN Hospital after being arrested under IPC Section 309 on the charge that she attempted suicide.

As her term of conviction expired, her release order was issued today by a Judicial Magistrate.

sequently, Jail authority released her from the security ward at about 4.40 pm.

Learning about the release order of Sharmila, a large number of Meira Paibis, members of different civil society organisations and media persons waited for Sharmila's release since 2.30 pm.

As she came out of the security ward, she was led to Porompat PDA complex, with the body support given by some Meira Paibis, where relay hunger strike is being staged under the aegis of the Sharmila Kanba Lup.

On seeing the people staging hunger strike in solidarity to her campaign, she was visibly moved.

She said, "Words cannot express my profound gratitude to see you waiting for me here.

You have given me renewed courage".

"I will continue with my campaign until the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act is repealed from Manipur", Sharmila reiterated.

On being asked about the spot where she would continue her campaign, Sharmila said that she would resume her campaign together with Imas (mothers) at PDA complex.

People's voice against rampant human rights violation in Manipur will be heard by the international community one day, Sharmila exuded.

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