Centre to review detention cases quarterly: PM

Srinagar, May 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the Centre will review on a quarterly basis all cases of detainees and release those "who can be released".

''I will request the Home Ministry to periodically review on a quarterly basis all such cases of detention and release those who can be released,'' the Prime Minister said in his closing remarks at the second round-table conference here.

''Let this now be not new to meetings and conferences but an ongoing process. My own office will monitor this every quarter,'' he added.

Dr Singh said a screening committee had been set up during the governor's rule to review all cases.

This resulted in the release of number of young men found to be innocent who were later able to return to a useful life, he added.

''At my instance, the Home Ministry has examined all cases of detention and in two rounds released detenues against whom there were no serious cases.

The Prime Minister said a number of young men continue to languish in prisons although the enormity of their offences were not of so heinous nature.

UNI AG AK AT DS1628