SC directs J&K govt to identify PoK detainees for deportation

New Delhi, Sep 28 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed the Jammu and Kashmir Government to identify the Pakistani prisoners, who can be deported but are still languishing in Indian jails.

A bench comprising Justices B N Agrawal and P P Naolekar issued the directions on a PIL filed by Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party Chief Bhim Singh who has contended that 52 prisoners have been detained in Indian jails, some of them for a period of nine to 13 years, without trial.

According to Mr Bhim Singh, an advocate, many of the prisoners are from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), who have been in jail for trying to sneak into India illegally. Only two of them have so far been deported to Pakistan.

The Union Government, in its counter-affidavit has contended that many of them are facing serious charges under Ranbir Penal Code and also under the Terrorist Act for their involvement in militant activities and offences alleged against them are punishable with life imprisonment.

The apex court adjourned the hearing till the end of October.

UNI