Making promises not to keep them has become an important attribute of governance in the state. Of the eight point program announced by the central government for winning hearts and minds of people on the recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Delegation that visited the State in 2010, one of the important points was release of youth and political leaders.
There can be no denying that some of political detainees and youth arrested during the 2010 mass upsurge have been released but many continue to be in jails. Besides, those arrested during past year many others have been languishing in different jails of the State and outside for many years now. Slapping one after another Public Safety Act against some of the detainees despite courts releasing them has almost become a routine. There also have been reports that besides political detainees children below eighteen are suffering in different jails of the state. Ostensibly, there are no serious charges against these children except being part of multitudes during the summer protests of 2010. Not only education but health of these youth and children are in jeopardy.  Some of the detainees for prolonged detentions have contracted serious ailments.  The reports about condition in jails and treatment meted out to detainees in some of the jails, particularly in Kotbalwal, Jammu, are alarming. The living conditions in jails are pathetic; unhealthy food served has been causing concern to the relatives of detunes. The deplorable medical facilities in the prisons have been taking toll of the health of many political prisoners from the state.  It is ironic that the jail authorities, in total violation of the prison manuals and rules of the state, have been committing ‘atrocities’ against political prisoners, students and children with impunity. While calling for release of all political prisoners, students and children, the government needs to appoint an inquiry to look into conduct of jail authorities who in violation of jail rules have been committing human rights violations inside the jails.  

Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST