Whereabouts of released Indians from Myanmar jail still in the dark

IMPHAL, July 26: The whereabouts of four Indian nationals from Manipur who had been allegedly convicted to 70 year rigorous imprisonment by the Myanmar authorities on smuggling charges a few years back are still in the dark. It can be recalled that four individuals from Manipur identified as T Mani (35) son of Tombi and K Mani (42) both from Thangmeiband area in Imphal west district, S Gandhi (29) son of Kula of Hiyangthang in Imphal west and another Baite Rankho (32) son of Siw Ran of Moreh in Chandel district were arrested by the Myanmarese authorities on April 24, 1995 near Tamu in Myanmar. Twelve gallons of illegal acid-like substance 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. The state Special Secretary (Home) has informed that they have not got any information in this connection with the case. The Indian Embassy in Myanmar had sent an official letter to the state Chief Secretary regarding the handing over of the Indian prisoners at Moreh. As per the letter dated July 21 this year, Myanmar authorities had informed the Indian Embassy that the six Indian prisoners had been handed over to Indian authorities at Moreh, the border town of Manipur on July 1 this year. It also reportedly urged the state Chief Secretary Rakesh to confirm urgently whether the six had arrived India and had been handed over to the family members. The Myanmar authority letter also said that they have informed the Indian Embassy office that two other Indian prisoners who had been lodged in Sittwe prison had also been released and were being escorted to Tamu and they are expected to reach Moreh in the next couple of days. It may be noted that the Rajya Sabha MP from Manipur Wahengbam Angou Singh had already brought up a question in this connection two years back. The then Home Minister (state) also informed the House that there are four Manipuri prisoners in Myanmar jail for their involvement in smuggling of illegal items.