Mass release: 42 Kuki prisoners freed from Manipur Central Jail

On Friday, the Manipur government released 42 Kuki prisoners from Central Jail, Sajiwa. These prisoners were mostly arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, with some facing charges for extortion, blackmailing, and attempted murder. A few were also arrested under the POCSO Act.

Details of the release

The prisoners were released after completing their jail terms. Due to the prevailing law and order situation in the state, no family members came to receive them. Most of these undertrial prisoners (UTPs) were arrested in 2022 and 2023, with 34 being related to drug cases. The Indian Army assisted in the release due to the current situation, and the UTPs were handed over to Kangpokpi police station for further transit.

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Previous releases and Supreme Court order

Earlier, on May 12, 15 Kuki prisoners were released from the same jail. They were arrested in 2022 on charges related to drugs, extortion, blackmailing, attempted murder, and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

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The Supreme Court, on July 3, directed the Manipur government to arrange health examinations for prisoners at Gauhati Medical College in Assam. The state government is to cover all expenses, and the court set a deadline of July 15 for officials to submit the necessary details.