A total of 27 women and children among Myanmar inmates held at Sajiwa Prison in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, have been released, according to India for Myanmar.
The 20 women and 7 children were detained as illegal immigrants in 2022 upon their arrival in Langka Town, Manipur, and had been imprisoned since then. They were all released on March 21.
Myanmar inmate U Aung Myint, who was imprisoned in Manipur, recently died due to health issues. India for Myanmar pointed out that the incident undermined India’s human rights values and, along with around 160 Myanmar organizations, urged the Indian central government to immediately release the detained Myanmar nationals.
“India’s decision to release the Myanmar prisoners seems to be a response to our call. But the 27 women and children who were just freed should have been released much sooner. In other words, they were held far longer than necessary. Another thing to note is that India only acted after an inmate died in prison,” said Salai Dokhar, founder of India for Myanmar.
The 27 Myanmar nationals released on March 21 were from the Bamar and Chin ethnic groups from the Magway and Sagaing regions. This marks the third time the Indian government has released and handed over Myanmar prisoners held in Manipur.
On two previous occasions, the junta temporarily held former Manipur inmates in Tamu Town, Sagaing Region, and allowed them to return home after being released on bail.
However, it remains unclear how the junta will facilitate the return of the 27 recently freed individuals.
Manipur authorities arrested Myanmar nationals who had fled their homes due to post-coup conflicts, along with Myanmar migrant workers, on charges of illegal immigration.
Even after serving their prison terms, many of these individuals remained detained.
Furthermore, upon their release, they were handed over to the junta, putting their lives at significant risk.