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Srinagar jail inmates go on hunger strike

Srinagar, July 23, 2018 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, prisoners in Central Jail, Srinagar, have gone on an indefinite hunger strike to protest against undue shifting of some inmates to jails in Jammu, poor food quality, denial of medical facilities and delay in trials. Family members of many inmates told media in Srinagar that prison conditions had significantly worsened since the Governor’s Rule was imposed in the occupied territory.

The families confirmed that inmates were refusing to take food. They say Central Jail Srinagar has been turned into a hell. “I had heard about Abu Gharib and Guntanamo, but after seeing the condition of prisoners at Central Jail, Srinagar, I don’t think there can be any other worst jail in the world,” said Abdur Rashid, whose son is languishing in the jail.

Rashid met his imprisoned son two weeks earlier and came to know that majority of the prisoners were given food which could not digest even a healthy person. “My son told me the jail authorities also treat prisoners like animals and not even basic medical care,” he said, adding he came to know from parents of other inmates that almost all the prisoners have gone for an indefinite hunger strike.

Father of another prisoner, said he was told by his son the strike was genuine and against the issues that include unjustified shifting of prisoners to Jammu and jails outside the valley. “My son told me all the prisoners are provided with poor quality food and medical aid is totally denied, he said, declining to be identified fearing reprisal for himself and his imprisoned son. “He (son) also told me that most of the prisoners are denied proper trial, and aren’t being produced in their respective courts.” A source in the jail said three prisoners were shifted to Jammu recently without any solid reason or any fault of theirs.

“Their only fault was that they raised voice against the ill treatment meted out to the prisoners. They demanded trial on their due dates and hygienic food,” the source said. At least 20 prisoners were gradually shifted from Central Jail Srinagar in a phased manner since March this year.

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