Imphal, Aug 19 (NDTV): Irom Sharmila, who has been on a hunger strike in Manipur for 14 years, must be released, a local court said today.

The court rejected charges of attempted suicide brought against the activist by the police.

Irom Chanu Sharmila, 42, has been on a hunger strike since November, 2000, in protest against a law that gives the army sweeping emergency powers in the northeastern state. She is regularly moved from prison to hospital to be force-fed by tubes through her nose.

She began her fast days after 14 people were shot in Imphal, allegedly by personnel of the Assam Rifles. Newspapers published graphic pictures of those killed, which included a 62-year-old woman and an 18-year-old National Bravery Award winner.

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

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 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.

Her lawyers say she is released once a year only to be rearrested. Under the law, a year is the maximum punishment for attempted suicide, but the government has been re-arresting her each year.