New Delhi, March 18: The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified the situation regarding the detention of six citizens in India on March 13. The ministry stated that there is currently no evidence proving these individuals were involved in illegal activities in India or Myanmar.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry, the citizens are accused of unauthorized presence in the state of Mizoram, as well as allegedly crossing the border between India and Myanmar illegally. Presently, actions are underway in India regarding this matter.
The ministry emphasized that no established facts have been found linking the detained Ukrainian citizens to illegal activities at the India-Myanmar border. It noted that some publications have misinterpreted the facts.
In the interest of the investigation, details of the case have not been made public. Ukrainian consular officials at the embassy in India have provided legal assistance and defense lawyers for the citizens during court proceedings. A court hearing took place on March 16, attended by representatives from the Ukrainian embassy in India. However, they were not allowed direct communication with the detained citizens. Following the hearing, the court decided to extend their detention until March 27.
Contrary to internationally established practices, the Ukrainian embassy in India has not received any official information from Indian authorities regarding the detention of these citizens. Ukraine has stressed the need for immediate and uninterrupted consular access to the detained individuals.
Ukrainian Ambassador to India, Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, met with Siby George, Secretary (West) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. During this meeting, he submitted an official protest note demanding the immediate release of the Ukrainian citizens and ensuring access to them. Additionally, the embassy is in continuous contact with other relevant Indian officials to clarify the reasons and circumstances surrounding the detention.
The Ukrainian diplomatic mission is in regular contact with the families of the detained citizens and is closely monitoring the situation.
It is important to note that there are certain restricted areas for foreign nationals in India, where entry is only possible with special permission. Often, proper signage is absent in such areas, increasing the risk of unintentional violations of established rules.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
