22 Myanmar nationals detained at Gaya airport

GAYA: Altogether 22 Myanmar nationals, believed to have Tablighi Jamaat links, were detained at the Gaya airport by the immigration authorities on Wednesday. They were booked on a special flight of Myanmar National Airways for Yangon.

According to Gaya SSP Rajiv Mishra, the Myanmar nationals were detained as there was a Delhi Police lookout notice pending against them.

"The Delhi police have been informed and it is for them to take follow up action in the matter," Mishra said, adding, he was not aware of the religious affiliation or membership of any organisation of the detained persons.

Asked if any criminal case has been instituted against the Myanmar nationals, the SSP said no case has been registered in Gaya and whatever action was required will be taken by the Delhi Police.

Gaya DM Abhishek Singh too said he was not aware of the reason behind the detention of Myanmar nationals at the Gaya airport. "The Bureau of Immigration must be in the know of things," he added.

Though the district authorities did not confirm the Tablighi links of the detained Myanmar nationals, airport sources said the religious affiliation of the Myanmar nationals was the reason for their detention.

The flight was delayed by about two hours on Wednesday afternoon on account of the detentions. The special flight finally took off with 82 of the 104 scheduled passengers. The detained persons reportedly drove down to Gaya to catch the special relief flight. It is not clear whether the Myanmar nationals were red-flagged for participating in the Tablighi congregation or for violating Visa conditions.