Imphal: Two undertrial prisoners from Assam were among 42 detainees released from Sajiwa Central Jail in Manipur‘s Imphal East district early Friday morning, according to an official report.
The released individuals, primarily from the Kuki-Zo community, were held in the Foreigners’ Detention Centre (FDC) on charges related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPSA) of 1985 over the past five years.
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Jail authorities at Sajiwa FDC facilitated the releases following orders from various courts of district and session judges. Tight security measures were implemented due to ongoing communal tensions between Kukis and Meiteis that began in May 2023.
The released individuals hail from various districts including Tengnoupal (10), Kangpokpi (9), Churachandpur (9), Chandel (5), Karbi Anglong, Assam (2), Imphal West (1), Imphal East (1) and Ukhrul (1).
Manipur police, Assam Rifles, and BSF personnel escorted the released individuals from Sajiwa Jail to Supermeina police station in Kangpokpi, a Kuki-Zo dominated district.
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The Supreme Court has directed National Legal Services Authorities (NALSA) to ensure undertrial review committees function in every district to consider releases under Section 436A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This section, introduced by the Indian government, grants bail to undertrials who have completed half their maximum potential sentence.