DHAKA: An Indian woman who has staged a 14-year hunger strike against rights abuses in the country’s northeast broke down in tears on Wednesday as she was finally released from a hospital jail.

Irom Sharmila, known as the Iron Lady of Manipur for her unwavering and non-violent protest, said she was ‘happy’ after spending years in custody, but vowed to continue her fast in protest at the military’s alleged abuses.

Sharmila, looking frail and with her voice faltering, said she wanted ‘mass support’ for her protest, as she emerged from a hospital in Imphal, the capital of India’s Manipur state.

‘I will continue with my hunger strike no matter what comes,’ she told reporters gathered outside, according to The Straits Times.

BDST: 2032 HRS, AUG 20, 2014