IT News
Imphal, April 29:
The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) today conducted a visit to the Manipur Central Jail, Old Lambulane, Imphal, as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the rights and welfare of women across the state.
The Manipur Central Jail currently houses 26 inmates while the Women Foreigners Detention Centre accommodates 23 inmates.
During the visit, Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson of MSCW, stated that women inmates, like all individuals, are entitled to basic human rights and dignity. She said that the purpose of the visit was to assess the living conditions of women in the jail and to listen to their concerns firsthand.
She noted that the MSCW, established in 2006, is committed to safeguarding the rights of all women in Manipur, including those incarcerated. The visit aimed to understand the inmates’ living conditions and provide a platform for them to voice their needs and grievances, she added.
She encouraged the inmates to share their issues freely, assuring them that the Commission would look into their concerns and work towards addressing them. The MSCW reiterated its commitment to uphold the dignity and rights of every woman, regardless of their circumstances.
Speaking at the programme, Sorokhaibam Bhadrika, Superintendent of Manipur Central Jail,said that the MSCW conducted the visitas part of the routine assessmentto look into the needs and grievances of the inmates, and encouraged them to speak freely without fear.
He expressed his appreciation for the Commission’s visit, recalling that during their previous visit, MSCW helped initiate a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that led to improvements in the jail’s infrastructure. He welcomed the current visit as a positive development for the jail.
Advocate Thiyam Rajkishore addressed the inmates on their constitutional rights and encouraged them not to view themselves as bad people for their past actions. Citing Mahatma Gandhi, he emphasized that crimes often stem from troubled minds. He shared examples of individuals like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who used their time in jail to produce meaningful work, encouraging inmates to channel their creativity positively.
Advocate Khaidem Santa Singh reminded the inmates that their rights remain the same as those living outside the jail, except for the restriction on their movement. He encouraged them not to dwell in misery over past mistakes and urged them to focus on self-improvement and becoming better individuals.
The event was attended by W. Phajatombi Devi, MCS, Member Secretary of MSCW; Chuongsin Koireng, Member of MSCW; N. Durgesh Kumar, Assistant Jailor; and others. Sanitary pads and other basic needs were also provided by MSCW to the female inmates.
