Imphal: A one-day awareness programme on the theme “Legal Awareness for Women Inmates” was organised today at Manipur Central Jail, Imphal. The programme was jointly organised by the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and Manipur Central Jail, Imphal.
Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson, MSCW, stated that the purpose of the visit was to hear the grievances of the inmates firsthand and to take up appropriate matters with the Government through necessary recommendations. She said that the visit was also aimed at understanding the living conditions of the inmates and providing a platform for them to voice their needs and concerns.
She urged the inmates to speak out in case of any mistreatment by jail staff or any form of abuse, including sexual harassment, assuring that such matters would be taken seriously and addressed accordingly.
Th. Tiningpham Monsang further stated that the Commission remains committed to the welfare and mental well-being of the inmates. Noting the limited interaction of inmates with the outside world, she said the visit also aimed at helping them attain peace of mind through activities such as yoga and meditation.
Speaking at the programme, W. Phajatombi Devi, MCS, Member Secretary, MSCW and Additional Director (IPR), Government of Manipur, urged the inmates to share their grievances freely, assuring that the Commission would take up their concerns and work towards resolving them. She encouraged the inmates to raise issues relating to basic amenities such as water supply, electricity, and healthcare, stating that the Commission would approach the concerned departments for necessary intervention and redressal.
She further advised the inmates to seek clarification on any doubts regarding their legal rights and provisions of law. Emphasising the importance of mental well-being, she encouraged the inmates to practise yoga and meditation to help reduce stress and maintain a calm state of mind. She highlighted the benefits of such practices and informed that yoga trainers had been brought to the programme to demonstrate basic yoga and meditation techniques for the inmates.
S.K. Bhadrika, SP (Jail), Manipur Central Jail, Imphal stated that special care is being taken to ensure the well-being of women inmates at Manipur Central Jail. He noted that inmates are provided with adequate and nutritious food, and that their health and hygiene are closely monitored to prevent any serious concerns. He further highlighted the active involvement of Manipur State Commission for Women in extending support and engaging with inmates, adding that a health camp had earlier been organized for their benefit. He also informed that communication facilities, including provisions for foreign nationals to make calls, are available to ensure inmates remain connected with the outside world.
The programme featured technical sessions on “Educating Inmates on Their Rights” by Rajkishore Thiyam, Advocate, and “Rights of Pregnant and Nursing Mothers, and Specific Arrest and Detention Laws” by Santa Khaidem, Advocate. A demonstration on yoga and meditation was also conducted by Indubala Mayanglambam, Yoga Trainer. Sk. Sophia, Member, MSCW, also attended the programme.
