NHRC seeks reply on minors in jails

New Delhi, Apr 7: Taking cognizance of a news report that minors are languishing in Jammu jails, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the state government to submit its comments on the issue within two weeks.

The Commission has directed that a copy of the news item be sent to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary and I G Prison to look into the allegations.

The report indicated that inmates belonging to various age groups were serving sentences in various jails in Jammu.

Besides the minors, some inmates above the age of 60 years are also languishing in the jails, it said.

It was reported that the High Court Bar Association after visiting the jails of the Jammu Division, had submitted a report in this regard. The report revealed that 275 people, including Pakistani and Afghan nationals, are lodged in court Bhalawal Jail under the Public Safety Act.

The report said Gowhar Ahmed Bhat, Wasim Raja Dar and Jalaluddin Shah, all aged 16 years, are lodged in jails.

It alleged harassment by public prosecutors resulting in prolonged trials and under trial prisoners not being produced in various jails of Jammu division due to absence of escorts.

UNI