Imphal: Sorokhaibam Bhadrika, Superintendent of Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, has firmly denied allegations made in a telephonic interview between “The Wire” and the founder of the India for Myanmar advocacy group, published on June 27, 2024. Bhadrika described these allegations as entirely fabricated and false.
He clarified that the ongoing hunger strike by detainees is not related to the accusations mentioned in the interview but is instead a demand for their release from jail. Bhadrika explained that the jail authorities do not have the power to release the detainees, who were penalized by the Court under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act. Only after obtaining thorough clarification from the Myanmar Embassy can the detainees be deported back to Myanmar.
Bhadrika made these statements at a press conference held on Saturday at the Office Chamber of the Superintendent, Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, to address the defamation against Manipur Jail authorities by the founder of the India for Myanmar advocacy group.
He added that the detainees had also demanded to be released in Moreh, where they were apprehended, rather than in Myanmar. However, these demands cannot be fulfilled as they fall under the policy of the Government of Manipur and not under the authority of Manipur Central Jail.
Bhadrika stated that there is no record of the jail authorities taking the mentioned “Rs. 50,000” from the detainees. He suggested that the amount might have been given to advocates for legal counsel, about which the jail authorities are unaware.
He further asserted that the detainees are being cared for according to regulations and are provided with an adequate amount of uncontaminated water for drinking and other uses, despite the state’s water scarcity. He also mentioned that detainees are allowed to communicate with their families, including through video calls. Bhadrika emphasized that the allegations made in the interview are misleading and defamatory to the prison authorities.
Officials and staff of the Manipur Central Jail were also present at the press conference.
