JOIN USOn the 66th Independence Day, around 25 prisoners, including five woman convicts, were released from Tihar Jail after director general of the prison unfurled the national flag on Wednesday.
All inmates lodged in the prison, including many Pakistani national, took part in the celebrations except Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri terrorist who was convicted in the conspiracy in the December 2001 attack on Parliament.
Director general Vimla Mehra unfurled the national flag around 9:30 am at Tihar Jail headquarters which was followed by the national anthem. Addressing prison officials, she announced the release of 25 convicts, who have served their jail terms.
She said there will be complete intolerance towards indiscipline and corruption, and prisoners with good behaviour will be rewarded.
“Many recreational programmes were organised in the 10 sub-jails of Tihar. While in some jails, dance and music programme were organised, in others patriotic dramas took place. The jail buzzed with patriotic songs,” said Tihar spokesperson Sunil Gupta.
With the help of a non-government organisations, prison authorities launched various welfare schemes on this occasion. In some sub-jails, water harvesting process was unveiled, while in others medical units were inaugurated. All inmates were provided special food and sweets.
Two jail officials – Hansraj Singh, assistant jail superintendent, and Mohammad Aslam, jail warden, – were honoured with President’s Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service.
Earlier, around 750 inmates, including 50 woman prisoners, were granted remission on Independence Day.