Mizzima
The India for Myanmar NGO is appealing to the Manipur authorities after Myanmar women detainees held in Imphal Prison went on hunger strike.
After engaging in negotiations with prison officials, the 36 Myanmar women inmates, who were on a hunger strike at Imphal Jail in Manipur State, India, have decided to temporarily halt their protest.
These women were imprisoned for lacking legal residence documents and were held beyond their release dates. In response to their prolonged detention, they initiated a protest on 16 December, which allegedly led to physical abuse by prison staff on 18 December, resulting in injuries to some inmates.
Following media coverage, various Myanmar nationals in Indian society organizations advocated for an inquiry into the potential violations of the prisoners’ rights. Subsequently, prison officials entered into negotiations, leading to the temporary suspension of the protest from 20 December, as reported by the inmates’ family members to Mizzima.
“We received a call from my sister. They have discontinued the hunger strike and started eating. The prison officials also visited. I’m not sure about the details of their negotiations or agreements. If they are not released, they may resume the protest,” said a family member of one of the female inmates.
The reinstatement of the permission for family members to make calls, which had been previously restricted, is now allowed again. There are reports indicating that the inmates and prison staff have subsequently developed a positive relationship.
It has been stated that some Myanmar inmates, who were protesting since 19 December in response to the reported mistreatment of Myanmar women prisoners, have also decided to conclude their protest.
Local news sources report that over 300 Myanmar nationals have been detained, allegedly for residing in the Indian state without proper documents. Some people remain in detention even past their release dates, according to statements from Myanmar nationals in Manipur civil organizations.
The detained Myanmar nationals face challenges in communication with prison officials due to the language barrier. They also report substandard and unhygienic food, as well as inadequate healthcare, according to Myanmar nationals in Manipur State.
These issues have reportedly led to serious consequences, with two Myanmar women from a prison in Manipur State passing away in June 2021. Additionally, on 25 February 2023, a 32-year-old Myanmar national from Imphal Jail reportedly died.
India for Myanmar has appealed to the Manipur government to address concerns related to the arrest and imprisonment of displaced Myanmar nationals under what they term unfair conditions. The appeal also calls attention to alleged mistreatment and torture of those in detention centres, advocating for the release of wrongfully detained prisoners.
Tens of thousands of Myanmar citizens have fled to India since the 2021 military coup largely due to conflict between resistance forces and the Myanmar military.
