Myanmarese community in Delhi celebrates Suu Kyi's release

The Myanmarese community in the national capital today joined the world in celebrating the release of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi after more than seven years of house arrest in Yangon.

In a gesture of solidarity, more than 50 Myanmarese refugees in the city came together at Jantar Mantar, cheered loudly, shouting "Long live Aung San Suu Kyi" while holding placards with photos of the 65-year old leader.

Enthusiastic at her release, they were hopeful for a "change" back home.

"She gave us hopes for a democratic Myanmar. Her release is very encouraging. We see change is about to happen soon," said Kim, a Myanmarese student union leader.

A jubilant pro-democracy activist Tin Tin Aung, in exile for 22 years, said she was hopeful of finally returning home.

The New Delhi-educated Suu Kyi is the daughter of Myanmar's independence hero, General Aung San.

Her detention expired today with the military junta authorising her release.

Suu Kyi, leader of the dissolved National League for Democracy (NLD), was freed after 18 months of confinement at her residence in Yangon. The opposition leader has been detained for 15 of the past 21 years.

Her release comes a week after a military-backed party claimed a landslide victory in the country's first elections in 20 years.