SRINAGAR: In a interesting incident on Sunday, twenty detainees, some accused of terrorism, orchestrated a daring prison break from the Poonch District Jail in Rawalakanot city, approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles) south of Muzaffarabad.
The escape has intensified security measures and sparked a widespread manhunt, reports appearing in the global media said.
The jailbreak began when the inmates, armed with a revolver, took a prison sentry hostage. Badar Munir, an official with the regional ministry of interior, confirmed the incident to a global wire agency, stating, “The inmates had a revolver that they used to hold a sentry hostage.” However, it remains unclear whether the weapon was seized from jail officials or smuggled in from outside. Another report said one inmate threw chilly powder into the eyes of the guards during the scuffle.
The breakout led to a violent confrontation, resulting in the death of one escapee during a shootout with police on the outskirts of Rawalakot. “In total, 20 people escaped from the prison. One was killed in the crossfire, while 19 others remain at large,” said Waheed Ali Gillani, Inspector General of Prisons in the other Kashmir.
In response to the escape, police have launched an extensive manhunt, blocking all entry and exit points of Rawalakot. A senior local police official, Riaz Mughal, reported that a search operation is underway to locate the remaining fugitives. A substantial contingent of police officers has been deployed, and authorities have released the names of the escaped prisoners to the public.
The escapees are considered highly dangerous, with many serving life sentences or facing the death penalty. The incident has heightened concerns about security and prison conditions in the region.
Following the escape, the entire staff of the district jail has been detained for questioning as part of a thorough investigation into the breakout. The deceased inmate was reportedly involved in drug trafficking, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Prisons in Pakistan are notoriously plagued by overcrowding, poor conditions, corruption, and human rights violations. These factors, combined with slow judicial processes, contribute to prolonged stays for prisoners and heightened tensions within the prison system.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of mass jailbreaks in Pakistan. Notably, in 2012, militant groups orchestrated a massive escape in Bannu, northwestern Pakistan, freeing 400 prisoners. Such incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the country’s penal system.
Adding to the chaos, a similar jailbreak occurred in Chaman, Balochistan, where several inmates overpowered guards during a routine movement for Fajr prayers. Prisoners from barrack No. 4 launched a coordinated attack, overpowering guards and escaping. In the ensuing clash, one inmate was killed, and two others were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.
