Imphal, August 29: The Gauhati High Court, imphal Bench has directed the State Government to release 15 Myanmarese detained at Central jail, Sajiwa as their detention period for illegal entrance/stay on the Indian side of the international boundary had already lapsed in the early part of this year.

An order of the Court with regard to the release noted that as there was no challenge/complain against the ruling of CJM, Chandel for detention of the Myanmar nationals for six months rigorous imprisonment and subsequent lapsing of the conviction period inclusive of detention in police custody there is no concrete ground for their further detention.

After personnel of 24 Assam Rifles rounded up the 15 Myanmarese from Moreh Gate No 2 on August 17 and handed over to Moreh police station the latter produced the arrestees before the Chief Judicial Magistrate who on November 19, 2007 passed an order for sentencing them to six months along with penalty of Rs 500 each.

Significantly, Government of Manipur had on February 25, this year also passed an order for deportation of the 15 but without any follow-up action or implementation of the same till date.

After hearing both parties represented by advocate Khaidem Mani for the 15 Myanmarese and Advocate general N Kotiswar for the State respondents the gauhati High Court disposed the writ petition by directing the State Respondents to release the writ petitioners from Central Jail, Sajiwa and lodge them temporarily at Myanmarese Refugee Camp at Chandel till the matter for their deportation is decided by the Central Government, added the Court's decree passed yesterday.

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