Over 200 people lodged in J&K jails in militancy-related cases

Srinagar: Over 200 persons, including 36 foreigners and four non-state subjects, are lodged in various jails in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with militancy-related cases, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Tuesday.

A total of 209 persons - 169 state subjects, four non-state subjects and 36 foreigners - are lodged in militancy-related cases in various jails of the state, Mehbooba said in a written reply to a question by Independent MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid in the state Assembly here.

The Chief Minister, who holds the portfolio of Home Department, said it would not be feasible to disclose the particulars of these prisoners keeping in view their security and that of their families.

As on May 30 this year, she said no person belonging to Jammu and Kashmir, who has committed an offence in this state, is lodged in any of the jails outside the state.

In response to a question whether the government plans to shift the prisoners lodged in various jails outside the state to their native districts or divisions, the Chief Minister said no such proposal is under consideration.

Mehbooba said the prisons department provides various facilities to the prisoners lodged in various jails of the state.

The facilities provided include compulsory health screening at the time of initial lodgement as per the guidelines of NHRC, following advisories on health of inmates issued by Home Ministry from time to time and provision of medical care to the sick inmates by doctors and other paramedical staff posted in central and districts jails.

Seven ambulances have been procured to shift ailing prisoners for treatment to other hospitals in case of emergency, counselling of jail inmates by psychiatric specialists at regular intervals, management of unsound prisoners in terms of Lunacy Act and sensitising jail staff and inmates about health issues and hygiene are some other facilities, the Chief Minister said.

She said refreshing the minds of inmates by organizing special yoga and meditation programmes and conduct of cultural programmes, painting and sports competitions are for recreation of the inmates.

As regards food, Mehbooba said diet as per the scales mentioned in the manual for superintendent and management of jails is being provided to the inmates.

Additional diet is provided to the lactating and pregnant female inmates, she said adding special diet is also provided to the sick inmates as per medical advice.

Mehbooba said clean and sufficient drinking water has been made available in all the jails.