69 foreign national among 2504 prisoners lodged in JK jails: Govt

SRINAGAR : Government on Tuesday said that a total number of 2504 prisoners including 69 foreign nationals are lodged in various jails in the Jammu and Kashmir state.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti while replying to a written reply by a legislator Er Rasheed said that a total of 1504 detainees/prisoners lodged in various jails in the state.

“20 persons including 07 foreign national convicted under militancy releated cases, 227 including 12 foreign national  convicts common law, 170 including 20 foreign national undertrials militancy releated, 2010 including 30 foreign national undertrials common law, 63 detenues militancy releated, 16 detenues under NDPS and 98 are other detenues,” Mehbooba informed the house of legislative assembly.

Mehbooba said that it would not be feasible to disclose the particulars of the detainees/under trial/convicts, keeping in view their security and the security of their families. The details of detainees/prisoners lodged in various jails outside the state are not maintained in home department.

“The facilities necessary for the well being of prisoners as envisaged in the manual for Superintendence and Management of jails, are provided to the Prisoners, which inter-alia, include proper protein rich diet, safe and secure shelter and requisite seasonal bedding. Special Medicare/facility to the ailing inmates and round the clock medical supervision and medicines are being provided to the inmates as per prescription/advice of doctor”, Mehbooba according to GNS said.

Besides, the inmates are referred to the Medical college or concerned duper speciality hospital for specialized treatment in case any serious a ailment is observed. Proper bedding is issued to the inmates during summer and winter which include quilts, mattress, blankets, bed sheets and pillows. In winter zone jails, hard coke/charcoal is being provided to the jails for use in the barracks, Mehbooba said.

“Proper sports facilities like Volleyball, Badminton, cricket, Carom Board, Lufo, chess etc are also available to the inmates in the jails. TV sets for entertainment and newspaper and magazines are also available to the inmates on daily basis”, Mehbooba said.

Moreover, facilities are also available for continuing the education of inmates through IGNOU study centred, universities of J&K and JK BOSE. In addition. Mass Literacy Programs are being run along with the vocational training programme in different trades like cutting and tailoring, candle making, embroidery, computer carpentry, house wiring, cloth weaving, beautician and hair cutting etc, she said.

Besides, above legal aid clinics are also functioning in all the jails to provide assistance to those inmates who lack resources to engage the lawyers to draft their petition, Mehbooba said. (GNS)