SP (Prisons) keen to alter inmates' mindset
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 25 2013: In what could be described as a positive development authorities of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa have been implementing cor-rectional measures through physical as well as mental exercises.

With the recent introduction of yoga classes as a part of the Art of Living course the jail inmates are being provided an opportunity to re- form through meditation, informed Superintendent of Police (Prisons) IK Muivah to a group of reporters who went to the Jail today to cull information on yoga classes.

While games/sports activities such as volleyball, car- rom, chess, sepaktakraw and badminton had been components of physical activities indulged by the prisoners for the past many years recent introduction of body building and yoga classes would further develop physical and mental wellbeing of the inmates, expressed the SP and informed that yoga classes under the Art of Living is being conducted under the su-pervision of S Roshnikumar Sharma with the body building equipment donated by one RK Bishwajit, instructor of Animal Gym.

Inmates train in the gymnasium

It is said that a total of 120 prisoners are attending body building training with yoga classes held in batches as all the 624 prisoners put up at the detention facility could not be accommodated at the same time.

Further informing that painting facilities are being extended to the inmates, Mui-vah said efforts are on to introduce carpentry.

Highlighting that all these classes/course were introduced to enable the inmates remain physically fit and mentally sound, the SP said Mani- pur is the first in the North East to have yoga classes for prisoners.

Exuding confidence that such activities would be helpful for the prisoners sustain livelihood once they complete terms of imprisonment, he also conveyed that a commercial area in Delhi deals solely on paintings by prisoners with paintings by inmates of the Manipur jail also in high demand.

The SP also said that an IGNOU study centre was established in the jail in March, 2012 with about 70 inmates availing the opportunity.

The same jail also utilises service of four doctors in the rehabilitation of drug-addict inmates although there is no de-addiction centre, he said adding that proposals to depute more medical personnel (doctors) have been forwarded to higher authorities.

IK Muivah also informed that construction activities for a 20-bedded hospital within the high security prison are also underway.