34 Burmese rebels in Indian captivity since 1998: Report

Human Rights activists here allege that Indian Army has kept 34 Burmese in detention since February 1998 after it carried Operation Leech near the Andaman and Nicobar Island.

New Delhi, Oct 8 : Human Rights activists here allege that Indian Army has kept 34 Burmese in detention since February 1998 after it carried Operation Leech near the Andaman and Nicobar Island.

The Rights activists claim that those detained Burmese nationals belong to Karenational Union (KNU) and National Unity Party of Arakan (Nupa) rebels who are fighting against the military junta in Myanmar. They claim that the rebels were earlier supported by India, but in late 1990s as New Delhi changed its policy vis-�-vis Myanmar and started building ties with junta in Yangon, the Indian Army launched operation against them.

However, army officials in New Delhi have termed the allegations baseless.

"We have to ask our government why Burma's freedom fighters have been imprisoned in Indiaike this when people are taking to the streets in Rangoon for freedom," The Guardian quoted Nandita Haskar, a civil rights lawyer who is campaigning for the men's release, as saying.

The Indian authorities held the men in jail for six and a half years before charges were brought. Now the trial is taking place in secret - no reporters are allowed and the public has been banned, the daily added. he report also quoted Khin Maung of Nupa who said that those detained are not gun runners, as claimed by Indian establishment, but belong to their group.

ANI