One of India's most prominent political activists has ended a 16-year hunger strike by licking honey from her finger.

Irom Sharmila, 44, had been force-fed through a tube in her nose after she refused to eat in November 2000 in protest against a draconian security law that gives sweeping powers to security forces in the northeastern state of Manipur.

"I need power to remove this act," Sharmila had said. "I am the real embodiment of revolution."

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which is in effect in Indian-ruled Kashmir and a number of other northeastern areas, empowers security forces to shoot to kill suspected rebels, and gives them wide-ranging search and seizure powers.

Prosecutions for rights violations allegedly perpetrated by soldiers are rare.

Sharmila, known as the "Iron Lady of Manipur", began her fast days after 10 civilians were killed by paramilitary soldiers in the restive northeastern state, which has long been blighted by separatist militant uprisings and violent government crackdowns.

The activist was charged with attempting suicide, which is a crime in India. This allowed officials to force-feed her.

Asked how she felt to finally eat, Sharmila said: "I will never forget this moment."