Srinagar
A deputation of the family members and relatives who were allegedly tortured in Tihar jail last week called on the octogenarian Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani at his Hyderpora residence and briefed him about the incident and latest developments.
In a statement a spokesperson of the Hurriyat Conference (g) said that during their interaction with the incarcerated leader, the relatives and families of these detainees quoting reliable sources, said that 18 inmates suffered injuries on the night of November 21 after they were brutally beaten up by personnel from the Tamil Nadu Special Police (TSP) and the Quick Response Team (QRT) “without any justifiable reason
“The security personnel of TSP on 21st of November in late hours in night, during their routine inspection of Tihar prison barged into the barrack ‘C” of jail 1 and found a pillow with of one prisoners.”
Deeming it objectionable, the statement quoting the family members said, they questioned the said detainee and raised their objections. “The trouble began after the TSP team began seizing the pillow covers of inmates while searching each cell.”
“It is pertinent to mention that said prisoner is ailing and doctor attending on him had advised him to use a proper pillow. Accordingly, the prisoner had sought permission from honourable judge, however the security guards objected and they entered into an altercation,” the statement said.
The infuriated guards “unnecessarily” barged into the barracks and started thrashing inmates and showered water on clothing, beddings and on other belongings of inmates. “Then they ruthlessly start beating these prisoners inside jail. Out of 18 prisoners, 17 were Muslims and one is a Hindu. The Kashmiris and particularly Gh Mohammad Bhat, Syed Shahid Yousuf, Mushtaq Ahmad, Gh. Jelani, Javid Ahmad, Ahtisham Ahmad were ruthlessly beaten and mostly received severe injuries on their heads and while as a few received injuries to their arms, neck and shoulders.”
The statement said that the prisoners could not sleep all the night due to fear. “No one came for their rescue even as they called for help. Instead of help QRT (quick reaction team) came in C & F barrack and started beating for an hour, said deputation adding that the jail inmates are now reeling under fear psychosis and long-term fearful atmosphere may have a deteriorating effect on their mental health,” reads the statement.
Geelani assured the deputation of all possible moral help and said that whole nation stands with them. “We equally feel your pain. It is ghastly act and has put the lives of all Kashmiri political prisoners in danger, saying that is a very sensitive issue and a matter of concern for all.”
Geelani while referring to Supreme Court ruling, demanded shifting of prisoners, saying detainees are subjected to vengeance, and despite sufficient accommodation in local jails, they are shifted to outside jails and as such their families face immense difficulties to seek meeting with their wards.
