Involve CRPF in prison security in Kashmir: MHA to state govt

UNTIL NOW, ALL PRISONRELATED MATTERS WERE LOOKED INTO BY THE STATE POLICE ALONE, WHILE THE ARMED BATTALION OF THE J&K POLICE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORTATION OF INMATES

NEWDELHI:The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Friday advised the Jammu and Kashmir government to deploy the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in “every aspect” of prison security after a Lashkare-Taiba militant escaped police custody during his hospital visit earlier this week.

The development came after a high-level meeting was convened by the home ministry to discuss Pakistani militant Naveed Jatt who was lodged in Srinagar central jail before he escaped with the help of militants, killing two police officials in the process.

Officials privy to developments of the case said the state government had been asked to deploy CRPF officials inside prison facilities and also involve the paramilitary force during transportation of inmates and other important duties. “Usually, CRPF is posted on the outer perimeters of prisons to provide security. However, we have asked the state government to give them additional duties that will include frisking, checking prisons and providing transportation for inmates,” a senior MHA official said.

Until now, all prison-related matters were looked into by the state police alone, while the armed battalion of the J&K police was responsible for transportation of inmates.

A home ministry official said besides the state government being advised to review and enhance security measures in jails, it was also being considered that inmates who are in jail for militancy related activities, especially those from Pakistan, be dispersed and sent to prisons outside Srinagar to Jammu.

“Prisoners from Pakistan, who number 17 at the Central Jail, are likely to be dispersed after seeking court approval,” the official said.

Director general of police SP Vaid said that he would ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.