New Delhi, 02 September (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has issued notice on a petition challenging the denial of permission to Ukrainian nationals accused of travelling to India and providing training to ethnic groups in the Northeast to meet their family members through video conferencing under the e-Mulaqat facility while in jail. A bench headed by Justice Navin Chawla ordered the issuance of notice. The matter will next be heard on September 21.

Six Ukrainian nationals have challenged a circular dated December 26, 2022, under which foreign nationals are not permitted to communicate with their family members through e-Mulaqat. The petition states that the circular is a blatant violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. It contends that denying prisoners the opportunity to meet or communicate with their family members not only affects their dignity and mental well-being but also prevents them from maintaining social and familial connections.

Recently, the High Court had dismissed a petition challenging a trial court order extending the investigation period in the case against these foreign nationals from 90 days to 180 days. The accused have allegedly entered Myanmar illegally and subsequently entered protected areas of Mizoram, where they established contact with ethnic groups. They have also been accused of illegally supplying weapons, providing training to ethnic groups and assisting them in operating drones.

The seven foreign nationals include six Ukrainian citizens and one US citizen. According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the foreign nationals entered India on visas and subsequently travelled to Mizoram, a protected area. They then entered Myanmar and established contact with ethnic armed groups.

According to the NIA, the foreign nationals had received training in Myanmar, following which they were allegedly training ethnic armed groups. These groups are linked to insurgent organisations active in India. It has also been alleged that they brought a large consignment of drones from Europe. The NIA has registered an FIR against them under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar