JOIN USIn the backdrop of recent attacks on prisoners in jails across the border, hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday dispatched letters to the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan drawing their attention to the security and safety measures adopted for the prisoners.
“The unfortunate death of Sarabjit Singh in Kot Lakhpat Jail in Pakistan and the murderous assault on Pakistani prisoner Sonaullah in Kot Bhalwal Jail had an adverse effect and a wave of anxiety has grabbed the people of both countries and hundreds of affected families. They are worried and feel apprehensive of the safety of their near and dear ones,” the letter reads.
“We feel that this entire dilemma is a result of the execution of a Kashmiri Mohammad Afzal Guru in Tihar followed by his burial in jail premises and consequently denying to return his mortal remains. An innocent person was hanged to satisfy the national conscience, with the result a security risk for prisoners and instability and uncertainty was evolved in the subcontinent,” Geelani said.
The letter reads: “I represent the aspirations and sentiments of people of Jammu and Kashmir and call your attention to the security and safety measures adopted for the prisoners. As a highly responsible person and as custodian of law and justice, we deem it as your moral and ethical duty to take all possible safety measures for these prisoners.”
“We also call your attention for those prisoners who are departed from their families for no fault of theirs, have completed their detention period and are languishing only because of routine and unnecessary formalities. Those prisoners who have served their detention should be released forthwith,” he demanded.