MHRC hears
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 27 2023:
The Manipur Human Rights Commission has heard several complaints which alleged that at least 12 Myanmar children along with their parents are being detained "arbitrarily" in Imphal Central Jail.
The complaints filed by one Mya Myat Mon claimed the 12 minors, aged between 5 and 10, along with their parents were arrested on June 27, 2022 and they were charged under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.
The complainant further claimed that the children and their parents, "who are poor, naive and hardworking migrant labourers from a rural village of Myanmar" crossed the border and were working in a weaving industry in Churachandpur district "as they were not able to pay for expensive passport and visa fees in Myanmar" .
Those in the jail include the family of a boy of 7, both parents, a 13-month-old baby sister, cousins 5 and 10, two aunts and an uncle.
While the Myanmar Nationals including the children have already spent six months in prison and they were to be released in early January 2023, the complainant alleged that the jail authority has not released them yet.
The complainant also claimed that all of the Myanmar Nationals including the children are willing to go back to Myanmar and reunite with their families after their release.
Meanwhile, hearing the case today, a division bench of the MHRC comprising Justice UB Saha, Chairperson and KK Singh, Member ordered the Superintendent of Imphal Central Jail to send a status report related to the case by tomorrow.
The bench also directed either the Superintendent himself or Additional Superintendent of the jail to appear in person at noon tomorrow for hearing.