Imphal, Oct 1 (IANS): Eight Manipuri girls, who were being trafficked to Singapore by members of an international gang, were rescued in Myanmar and brought home, officials said on Sunday.

They were given counselling sessions in their home district of Churachandpur on Sunday before being handed over to their families.

The officials said the girls were brought to Kolkata from Myanmar on Friday by Indian embassy officials. They arrived in Imphal on Saturday.

Two women and one man were arrested for their alleged involvement.

On their way to Singapore, the girls were lodged at a hotel in Yangon from where one of them managed to inform her family.

In response, the state government along with the help of the External Affairs Ministry and Yangon police helped rescue the girls.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said: "Parents should be very careful and first establish the authenticity of the agencies represented by the touts. There have been cases of human trafficking by the touts who promise jobs and education to the parents."

He instructed the police to launch a crackdown and try the accused persons in a fast track court which was set up for those involved in crime against women.