INDIA – The Myanmar refugees in Imphal Prison of Manipur State are continuing their hunger strike after negotiations with authorities fell apart.
Salai Dokah of India for Myanmar explained that the hunger strike was resumed on August 26 after no significant results came out although the prison authorities promised to submit request to the central government to release the detainees and to not hand them over to the junta council.
“Starting today (August 26), 52 men plan to go on hunger strike to ask for immediate release. India for Myanmar would also like to request the local and international news media to spread the awareness about Myanmar refugees detained in India and to help amplify their voices,” he continued.
The war refugees detained in Imphal Prison are requesting to not be transferred to the Myanmar junta council and to be allowed to remain in India after their release.
Previously on June 11, Manipur authorities handed over 38 Myanmar women detained in the prison to the junta council and transferred 38 more on May 2.
There are currently 159 Myanmar refugees detained in Imphal Prison and they are mostly from Sagaing Division and Chin State.
They have fled to seek temporary shelter in India as the junta council is committing war crimes against civilians in Myanmar.
