 Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Dec 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday briefed the media on the grave and long-pending issue of Kashmiri undertrial prisoners lodged in jails outside Jammu and Kashmir, calling the practice unjust, inhumane, and a violation of constitutional guarantees.
Mehbooba Mufti said that hundreds of undertrial prisoners-many of whom have not been convicted of any crime-continue to remain incarcerated far away from their homes, causing immense suffering to them and their families. She pointed out that detention outside the region severely restricts access to legal counsel, delays court proceedings, and imposes unbearable emotional, psychological, and financial strain on families, particularly women, children, and the elderly.
"The continued incarceration of undertrials outside Jammu and Kashmir goes against the very spirit of justice and humanitarian norms. Justice delayed is justice denied," she said, adding that such measures effectively punish families without any legal basis.
The PDP President revealed that she had formally urged the Director General of Police, the Chief Secretary, and other concerned authorities to compile and share complete details of Kashmiri undertrial prisoners lodged outside the region. "Despite repeated requests, the authorities have refused to share any data, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability," she noted.
Addressing the National Conference-led government, Mehbooba Mufti reminded the Chief Minister that the ruling party has five Members of Parliament. "With such representation, the government has both the authority and the responsibility to seek answers from the Union Home Ministry and central agencies regarding the status, location, and legal proceedings of Kashmiri undertrial prisoners," she said. |
