After sixteen long years, world's longest hunger strike ended on Tuesday when an emotional Irom Chanu Sharmila broke her fast with honey. "I will never forget this moment," Sharmila told media reporters. She had started her protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur 16 years ago. "If I become CM the first thing I will do is remove the draconian AFSPA," Irom said adding that she did not want to go with any of the established political parties. Manipur's 'Iron Lady' Irom Chanu Sharmila was on a hunger strike for 5757 days and was being force-fed through a nasal tube to keep her alive at a prison-turned-hospital in Imphal.

She also vowed that she will never go and meet her mother until she achieves her goal of removing AFSPA. An emotionally overwhelmed Irom broke down for nearly a minute before ending her fast by sipping a drop of honey. After being granted a bail by the court, she told the court that the decision was for the sake of the public as it meant she could express herself. The court said she could be released on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 10,000. Sources said the government will provide security to Irom considering the threat to her life.