Militants lead good life in Kot Bhalwal jail

Jammu, Dec 18: The hardcore foreign militants in Jammu and Kashmir were leading a luxurious life here in the high-security Kot Bhalwal jail.

During a massive search operation conducted by the security forces, special rooms have been found inside four barracks of the high security prison.

''Kot bhalwal jail was functioning not less than a luxurious hotel for some top militants. The fact came to light during a massive crackdown inside the jail by police and jail security staff yesterday,'' official sources said, adding, ''Four hotel-like rooms were being used by the ultras, who were designated as mukhias by the detenues.'' Moreover, at least twenty-five colour television sets, 50 coolers, three water coolers, room heaters, six handy LPG cylinders, hot water bottles, some wall to wall carpets, imported cigarettes, 30 poultry birds and electronic gagets, including mobile phones were recovered during this search, sources added.

Besides these, two more mobile sim cards, 15 iron rods, sticks, knives, colour photographs, showing militants engaged in digging tunnels inside the jail and a large quantity of incriminating literature of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Al-Mansoorian and Pakistani flags were also seized from the jail.

The Kot Bhalwal prison is now home to as many as 343 detenues with a majority of hardcore militants, including 41 foreign mercenaries from Pakistan and Afganistan, since militancy sparked in the state in late 80s and early 90s.

During search operation the security forces had to face a massive opposition from the militants, which lead to a clash, in which 36 people including 21 detenues and 15 securitymen were injured.

Briefing mediapersons on the incident last evening, Director General Prisons M K Mohanty admitted laxity on the part of jail staff, which led to the smuggling of unauthorised items inside the prison.

He said, ''That's why, we have removed one-third of officials from Kot Bhalwal jail and posted new staff.'' At the joint press conference last evening, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Pramod Jain and Inspector General of Police S P Vaid said, ''The foreign militants have been trying to create terror in the Kot Bhalwal jail. It was not only the violation of jail norms but also a clear case of attack from rooftops.''

UNI