Srinagar, Oct 29: CPI(M) MLA from Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami, on Wednesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to take immediate steps to bring back Kashmiri prisoners currently lodged in jails outside the Union Territory, citing humanitarian and familial concerns.
Speaking during the Zero Hour proceedings of the J&K Assembly, Tarigami said detainees from Jammu and Kashmir including Democratic Freedom Party chief Shabir Shah should be transferred to prisons within the UT.
“This is a basic human right which is universally accepted,” he said, adding that if there were not enough jails in Jammu and Kashmir, “the inadequacy should be addressed.”
Tarigami stressed that families of these prisoners are facing immense hardships due to distance and urged the government to ensure their transfer. “This demand should reach those who have the power to decide,” he added.
Supporting the demand, Peoples Conference MLA from Handwara, Sajad Lone, also called for shifting such prisoners back to the UT.
“Shabir Shah’s condition is so bad that he is not able to stand. If this assembly keeps its eyes shut to the plight of people from Jammu and Kashmir, then what is the use of this assembly?” Lone said.
He further acknowledged that while the Home Department does not fall directly under the Assembly’s purview, the House could still convey its collective concern to the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the condition of Kashmiri prisoners.