Pak militants attack officials in J nd K jail

Jammu, Nov 9 (UNI) Hard core Pakistani militants attacked and hostaged some jail autorities including the Jail Superintendent in the high security Kot Bhatwal jail here last evening, sources said here today.

According to sources, Jail Superintendent Sheikh Abdul Rashid was held hostage by Pakistani ultras who were demanding release of their colleague Abdul Hai, detained by the CID in connection with recovery of mobile telephones from the jail a few days back.

Former Hizbul Mujahideen militant Ashraf Parray Ilyas was injured after he was hit on the nose by a Pakistani militant Zafar Jamali in barrack 17 of block nine, sources added.

Official sources said the clash took place when Jamali and his Pak associates including Aijaz Khokhar called the Superintendent and when he went to barrack 17 Pakistani detenues hostaged him.

Jamali and his associates started shouting slogans and demanded that Abdul be released. As the report of Jail Superintendent being held hostage spread, local militants including top Hizbul Commander General Moosa, Billal Siddiqui, Altaf Mohd Choudhary and Altaf Ahmed-II rushed to the barrack and clashed with Pakistani ultras.

After one hour Mr Rashid was rescued by jail staff and local militants. In the clash, Ashraf sustained injuries on his nose and was given first-aid inside the jail.

Sources said a complaint of clash inside the jail premises has not been lodged with police by the jail authorities. The jail Superintendent has, however, asked the jail staff including security to be alert and maintain extra ordinary vigil on the militants.

Meanwhile , DG (Prisons) M K Mohanty, when contacted, refused to comment over the clash in jail.

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