AMWJU team visits Sajiwa, Imphal Central Jails
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 20 2016 : The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) today inspected the Sajiwa Central Jail and Imphal Central jail.

Led by AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai, representatives of State media houses also interacted with the inmates and officials of both the Central Jails.

SP of Sajiwa Central Jail W Phanitphang said that facilities such as gymnasium, counselling centre, yoga centre, spiritual classes and outdoor activities are being provided to the inmates.

IK Muivah is in-charge of the jail and all the required facilities have been provided.

Even an IGNOU Centre has been set up within the premises under his initiative, SP W Phanitphang informed.

"We are now planning to set up a library and till now more than 200 books have been donated by the well-wishers," he added.

AMWJU team visits Sajiwa, Imphal Central Jails

At present, there are 42 convicts, 29 NSA detenues, 342 under trial prisoners (non-extremists), 128 under trial prisoners (extremists) and 43 lodged under NDPS in the jail.

W Phanitphang said that out of the 32 CCTV cameras which have been installed, 20 are non-functional.

Steps to install 8 mobile jammers are also underway in order to prevent unwanted activities of some inmates who are associated with some UG groups.

Elaborating more on the security measures taken up the authority, W Phanitphang said that security personnel would be adequately deployed to guard all the extended walls surrounding the jail.

One of the inmates of Sajiwa Central Jail lamented the judicial system which is one of the organs of democracy has degenerated particularly in the State resulting to injustice for many who are not guilty of the crime.

In Imphal Central Jail, there are 15 detenues, 8 NSA detenues, 8 persons lodged under NDPS, 1 convict and 11 convicted foreigners.

Among the inmates are anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Sharmila and Tarini who was arrested during the ILPS movement.

Th Subhaschandra, SP, Imphal Central Jail said that vocational training centre has been set up under the Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai.

There is now a legal aid clinic as well.

Out of the 11 convicted foreigners, 10 are from Myanmar while one is from Bangladesh.

The foreigners said that their conviction term has lapsed in 2014.However, they are not allowed to leave the jail till now.

Th Subhaschandra said necessary documents have been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding their releases.

Therefore, they have been asked to wait for the official approval.