Pakistani Convicts Segregated In Punjab Prisons

Concerned over the security of Pakistani convicts, particularly the three key plotters in Kandahar plane hijack locked up in Patiala central prison, accompanying the slaughter of Indian convict Sarabjit Singh in Pakistani prison, functionaries in Punjab have taken actions to ensure their security.

Fearing additional assaults on Pakistani convicts after Sanaullah Ranjay, who was attacked by Indian convicts in Jammu, prison authorities in the state on May 05 took steps to separate the Pakistani convicts in prisons.

Prison minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur told, “We are responsive of the nervousness among convicts in the jails and that is why we are taking steps to give Pakistani convicts additional protection”.

In a series of steps, the prison section has directed all superintendents of central prisons in the state to shift all the Pakistani convicts to the side barracks and not permit Indian convicts to make an interaction with them. Additional vigil will be kept on the food being served to them to put a stop to efforts of intoxication and the burden will be on the superintendents to serve the foods themselves.

A senior representative in the Patiala central prison, who requested secrecy, stated, “There are definite fears regarding Abdul Latif, Dalip Kumar and Yusuf, all three who conspired to hijack an Indian Airlines plane at Kandahar in the year 1999. They have been in Patiala prison since their detention 12 years back. Their movements have now been restricted within the jail complex.”

The prison functionaries have been told that the Pakistani convicts would not be permitted to come out from their barracks till further orders.

Usually, they are permitted to move in prison complex from 10am to 2pm.

There are 57 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 2 females, lodged in Punjab’s five prisons. “Our immediate motive is to ensure that there are no more cases of violence against the Pakistani prisoners,” said Phillaur.

Pakistani prisoners in Punjab prisons –

Amritsar Jail – 38

Ferozepur Jail – 8

Ludhiana – 2 (women)

Kapurthala – 2

Patiala – 3

Nabha – 4