Geelani concerned over worsening condition of prisoners

Srinagar, Jan 17: Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani on Wednesday expressed his deep anguish and concern over the reported worsening condition of prisoners, saying they are being ill-treated and subjected to mental and physical torture in jails.
Geelani put international human rights organizations on notice over the condition of Kashmiri prisoners who are being detained in jails across J&K and India and added that “oppression against Kashmiris, particularly youth, is going on and while quoting relatives of prisoners, said that Kashmiri inmates in Udhampur Jail “are subjected to inhuman deprivation of medical treatment; for those who require it.
The inmates are put in cells, in solitary confinements,” for long periods, deprived of their contact with near and dear ones and also other basic needs, said Syed Ali Geelani.
International organisations for human rights must take cognizance of incarcerated Kashmiri youth,” asking these world bodies to visit these jails.
“We have reports from Udhampor jail that Kashmiri youth are being targeted,” Geelani said and added that they are meted out worst treatment, saying unavailability of medicines and medical care and substandard quality of food is taking tool on their health .
Detainees are compelled to use dirty and unhygienic utensils and even no proper food is provided as per jail manual, said Geelani.
Strongly denouncing Superintendent jail of Udhampor for her inhuman and harsh behaviour against detainees, Syed Ali Geelani said that she has turned jail into hell and jail mates are pressurised and compelled to participate in obscene and offensive cultural programmes and dance concerts.
Quoting reports, Geelani said that jail authorities have let loose the reign of terror and non-Muslim prisoners are being provided free hand to create disturbances during prayer times.
We have reports from police station Bandipora that youth including Mudasir Ahmad Wani, Irfan Ahmad Wani and Ab Lateef Wani are being tortured and targeted,” Geelani said.
Geelani strongly criticised police behaviour and added that all prisoners languishing in jails are prisoner of conscience and while hailing their sacrifices added that they are pursuing the right to self-determination through peaceful political means.