The Jammu and Kashmir administration today shifted 82 more separatists, Pakistani and Kashmiri militants and some hardcore criminals from different jails of the Union Territory including high-security Kot Bhalwal prison to other jails of the country including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi.
Previously, it was observed that few Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the militants posing as relatives of the militants had managed to smuggle mobile telephones and SIM cards inside the jails.
An order issued by the MHA on May 4 called for conducting regular inspection of prisons, strengthening security arrangements and implementing effective administration to ensure that the jails are not misused to become breeding ground for anti-national activities.
The MHA ordered restrictions on unnecessary movement of prison staff in and out of the jail. For the purpose, a proper entry and exit registers of jail staff should be maintained, it said.
It may be mentioned that Intelligence agencies were of the view that it was very difficult to smuggle mobile telephones, SIM cards and other materials found in possession of the militants and hardcore criminals, without connivance of the jail staff.
The order called for ensuring effective jamming solutions with the use of modern-day advances in technology to restrict use of mobile phones by inmates. It also suggested that first time offenders and repeat offenders should be segregated and housed in separate wards or prison complexes with a view to ensure that habitual offenders are not able to negatively influence the first time offenders.
The MHA order said the administration should ensure that the jail inmates are motivated to leave the life of crime and become responsible citizens of the nation. It has also asked the States/UTs to expedite various measures for strengthening the prison administration and ensuring the security.
