Dear All:

The honourable MP from Outer Manipur constituency, Mani Charenamei took up the issue of 21 villagers from Singngat subdivision arrested by the Myanmarese army on May 6, 2006 in the Lok Sabha on Aug 3, 2006. The speech of the MP made during discussions on matters of urgent public importance was reproduced below:

"On 6th May, 2006, 21 innocent villagers belonging to Zomi community of Churachandpur district of Manipur were arrested by the Myanmar army and held captive in Myanmar till today. Sir, either sides of the border areas in Manipur and Myanmar are inhabited by same ethnic group of indigenous tribal people.

The atmosphere in these areas are peaceful. The local tribal people living in the border areas use to cross over to either sides of the border in search of their livelihood without any disturbances from any quarter as they use to return to thier respective homes on daily basis.

Sir, the arrested people are innocent vilagers of Churachandpur District and they are languishing in the Myanmar jail where the treatment of the jail inmates is reported to be very cruel. It is reported that Myanmar jail does not serve food to the inmates and the inmates have to arrange food for themselves which is really impracticable.

Sir, I have apprised both the Home Ministry and External (affairs) Ministry about this matter in writing on 26th June 2006. However no positive action has resulted so far.

I therefore, urge upon the Hon'ble Minister for External Affairs and the Home Affairs to take up the matter with Myanmar Government for immediate release of the 21 innocent public on humanitarian ground." (Ends).

While we cannot help but appreciate the many endevours of the Hon'ble MP in the matter, the news we hear from the ground is that the 21 men arrested have already been convicted in a military court in Myanmar and sentenced to 7 years in prison! The case relating to the minor boy among those arrested, according to sources, is yet to be decided.

Information is scattered and there is no official confirmation of the latest news, but it does underline the need for us all to put pressure on the Indian government so it will act defence of its citizens imprisoned in a foreign country.

The ZHRF. Delhi Cell also appeal on those who follow the case to volunteer accurate information on the developments on the grounds, as we have to depend on secondary sources for information.

MP Mani is also expected to raise the issue relating to PDS in Churachandpur district in the coming week in the Parliament. May God lead the way!

-Media Department
ZHRF, Delhi Cell.

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