Irom Sharmila, who has been on a hunger strike in Manipur for 14 years, will be released shortly from a hospital room where she has been kept for years.

"I am happy to be released, but I will continue my fast," she told NDTV in Imphal.

Irom Chanu Sharmila, 42, has been on a hunger strike since November 2000, in protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA, which gives the army sweeping emergency powers in the northeastern state.

She said today that her stand on the law remains unchanged.

For years, she has been force-fed by tubes through her nose. Her release will mean that she can't be force-fed anymore, which, her supporters say, could endanger her life.

She began her fast days after 14 people were shot in Imphal, allegedly by personnel of the Assam Rifles.

Three days later, she was charged with attempt to suicide and arrested. She was 27.

The AFSPA, described by critics as draconian, allows soldiers legal immunity when they are operating in "disturbed areas" - states dealing with separatists or insurgents. Soldiers are allowed to make arrests without warrants or raid any location.

Activists allege the law has been misused and has led to gross human rights violations.

Irom Sharmila was not allowed to vote in this year's election because the law does not allow any citizen in custody to cast a vote.

(NDTV)