Myanmar sentences four state smugglers to jail

IMPHAL, July 24: State authorities are still in the dark about whereabouts of four persons from Manipur, who had been allegedly convicted to 70 years imprisonment by Myanmar authorities on smuggling charges. The Myanmar security forces arrested the four persons on April 24, 1995 near Tamu. 12 gallons of illegal acid-like substances were seized from them. A Myanmarese court after finding them guilty under the provisions of the Myanmar Narcotic Act had sentenced them to 70 years of imprisonment. However, the term was reduced to 10 years after they filed a petition challenging the conviction. When contacted, the Special Secretary Home said that they have not been informed of the case. However, the Indian Embassy at Myanmar had sent an official letter to the state Chief Secretary regarding the handling over of the Indian prisoners at Moreh, he added. The letter dated July 21 this year said that Myanmar authorities had informed them that the four Indian prisoners had been handed over to Indian authorities at Moreh on July 1 this year. The letter requested the Chief Secretary to confirm urgently whether the four had arrived to India and had been handed over to the families. The Myanmarese authorities letter also said that they have informed the Indian embassy office that 2 other Indian prisoners, who had been lodged in Sittwe prison had also been released and were being escorted to Tamu. They are expecting to reach Moreh in the next couple of days.