Sajiwa Jail shows the path
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 20 2013 : The Central Jail at Sajiwa in Manipur has become the first in the northeast to start a reform centre for its inmates.

The Central Jail, situated at Sajiwa in East Imphal, houses over 640 inmates in seven different sectors.

It has become the northeast's first jail to have meditation, sports and other co-curricular activities for the inmates, who can now play volleyball, meditate, do yoga or exercise at a gym.

The jail has also different sections for teaching painting and education to inmates.

A specialized team from the "Art of Living" Centre has been providing classes to inmates to change their lives, and help the addicts stay away from drugs.

The initiative has been taken by Manipur state Prison authorities led by ADGP, MK Das, and SP Jails, IK Muivah.

"We try to inspire them to lead a better life.

During the yoga process they come to reconcile themselves and also through body building they come back to a healthier lifestyle and through adult education they acquire diploma certificate which make them more confident.

So our main objective is that after being released from jail they should not go back to the past life but lead a better and normal life," said Muivah, IPS, SP Jail Sajiwa.

The recent introduction of yoga classes and gym has helped many inmates, who have who have vowed never to return to drugs and old habits.

In addition, the inmates are provided vocational training and free education under IGNOU.

They inmates are happy and they pledge to lead a normal life after completion of their term.

"Usually we hear that prisoners are abused and tortured in jails, but here at Sajiwa such incidents don't happen.

We stay here peacefully.

We love and respect each other, and we do everything according to the instructor.

So, I am very happy because we do not face any kind of abuse or torture, and I really appreciate the authorities for taking care of us," said Maibam, an inmate.

Vocational training is provided to female prisoners.

They are taught to make things like detergent powder, incense sticks, cane stools, toys, embroidery and knitting.

HIV/AIDS prevention and assistance is handled by Manipur Aids Control Society (MACs) and Manipur Network for positive People.

"Things have changed a lot.

We get an opportunity to study here.

Room-mates are very helpful.

They provide us training where we learn how to read and write.

We also do yoga regularly and other activities.

So, it's very good," added Anita, another inmate.

Such initiatives by the jail authorities will not only change the lives of the inmates, but will also help them lead a normal life in the future.

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