Myanmar govt releases 22 Indians

Imphal, Oct 31 (UNI) The Myanmar government has released 22 Indians lodged in their jail since August this year, near the Indo-Myanmar border at Moreh.

The state government officials said today that Deputy Director of Myanmar Immigration office U Kyan Sein handed over the prisoners to Moreh ADC T H Chothe yesterday.

Officials said, '' These 22 persons were allegedly arrested for crossing into Myanmar territory and smuggling teak, opium etc on May 6. They were imprisoned at Myanmar jail from August 25 onwards.'' Sources said the Indo-Myanmar border was highly porous and the people on both sides were allowed to enter into each other's territory without permit.

Indian citizens are allowed to enter upto Tamu, the border town of Myanmar, from Moreh during the day with a permit but they have to come out before sunset, officials said.

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