Prison held by Myanmar’s citizens
Mizzima
Myanmar nationals who have completed their prison sentences are not being released from Imphal Prison in India’s Manipur State until they pay 50,000 rupees (1.8 million Kyats).
This has been confirmed to Mizzima by the relative of an inmate and Salai Dokhar from the India for Myanmar grassroots advocacy movement who said his organisation has spoken to many families of inmates facing the same demands.
“The families all said the same thing. They all said that the release of the detainees is contingent on the payment of 50,000 Rupees”, he said.
There are over 100 Myanmar nationals who, despite having completed their sentences and paid all their fines for illegally staying in Manipur State, are still being held at Imphal Prison. Their families are allowed to contact them once a week.
The Indian authorities claim they are keeping the Burmese citizens in prison beyond their terms because there are difficulties in facilitating their return to Myanmar.
India for Myanmar has tried to negotiate with the prison authorities, but so far it has been unable to secure the inmates’ release.
Family members of those imprisoned say they are facing difficulties in raising 50,000 rupees because they have been fleeing conflict and lack stable employment.
The wife of an inmate who has served his sentence said: “I heard that they will be released if we give money. However, I am hesitant to provide the money at this point as I am skeptical about the actual release of the inmates. I also want to encourage others to think carefully before giving money.”
Her husband was arrested, along with over 20 other Myanmar citizens, for illegally crossing into Manipur State in 2021. Despite having served their sentences they are still all being detained at Imphal Prison.
On 16 December 2023, a group of 36 Myanmar women in Imphal Prison went on a three-day hunger strike to protest being held beyond the completion of their sentences.
Since the February 2021 coup in Myanmar over 200 Myanmar nationals have been arrested for illegal immigration in the towns of Lamka and Moreh in Manipur State.
