The reform centre at Manipur's central jail in Sajiwa has been motivating its inmates, including a number of former militants, to lead a better life through various constructive activities like yoga, spiritual, fitness and vocational training.
Array
The Central Jail, situated at Sajiwa in East Imphal, houses over 650 inmates, including a large number of former militants.
Array
It is the northeast's first jail to introduce meditation, sports, gym facility and other co-curricular activities for the inmates. It recently upgraded the fitness center in its premises with help from an Imphal-based gym.
Array
More From This Section
R K Vishwajit Singh, the owner of 'Animal gym' has been helping the inmates by providing gym equipment at a cheap rate.
Array
The inmates, who have now understood the value of leading a healthy life, are happy with the constructive activities.
Array
"We are giving various kinds of vocational training such as music, fine art, yoga under the Art of Living and handicrafts making stools and bags, which has been very much popular and demand .So, with all this thing we are trying to reform the prisoners so that once they come out from the jail they will lead a normal and peaceful life," said I.K. Muivah, IPS, Sr. S.P. Jail.
Array
Array
"I feel very good working with them. There are many activities that have been introduced. Now, we are not wasting our time as we are doing different activities. I also get to learn and it benefits me. Earlier there were no such activities, but it's very good we are working together in many ways," said T Sana, former KYKL cadre.
Array
Many religious leaders regularly deliver speeches and interact with the inmates in order to motivate them to lead a better life.
Array
The jail is also taking several other initiatives such as providing vocational training for making bags, embroidery and tailoring.
Array
The militant cadres who are lodged in the jail are happy with such initiatives as it has made them realize their past mistakes, and motivated them to reform themselves.
Array
"Earlier, I was leading a bad life but now I have changed .After staying in the jail I have learnt many things and they have shown me the right path. I am grateful to the SP because he has introduced us to many activities like singing and other things. So I want to give a message to my fellow mates to come back and follow the right path," added Kiran, former militant
Array
The focus on spiritual and fitness training at the jail has brought about a major change in the outlook of these inmates who are now determined to lead a normal life after completing their term.