57 Burmese nationals repatriated from India

At least 57 Burmese nationals, who were detained in India for many years for different reasons, have been brought back to Myanmar via Port Blair island on 19 October.

They came to their own places in Myanmar with the initiative of Sitagu Sayadaw Dr Ashin Nyanishara.

"These Burmese prisoners were behind the bars from 2 to 10 years. The Sitagu group has donated all the travel expenses for them. Responsible officials of both the neighbouring countries have helped in the mission,” said a social media post by Ashin Nyanishara.

Most of them are fishermen, who incidentally crossed the boundary with India. Their boats were broken and washed away on sea water.

The Sitagu group also paid them for local travel expenses and dinners. The military council’s social welfare, relief & resettlement ministry have sent them back to their original villages.

With the initiatives of Sitagu group and its abbot more than 2,000 prisoners have been returned back to Myanmar from Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia till date.