Inmates at Punjab's Open Agricultural Prison Launch Hunger Strike
Inmates at Punjab's sole open agricultural prison in Nabha have initiated an indefinite hunger strike. They are protesting alleged misconduct by jail officials and deliberate delays in forwarding their case files to higher authorities. The prisoners claim these actions have negatively impacted their chances for early release.
Details of the Protest and Inmate Grievances
The open agricultural prison currently houses approximately thirty-three inmates. These individuals were selected for this facility due to their good conduct records. They have been actively engaged in farming activities on prison land as part of their rehabilitation program.
The inmates assert that their sentences were scheduled for remission on January 26th. However, they allege that jail officials failed to send the necessary files of eligible prisoners to the competent authorities. This procedural delay has prevented their potential early release.
Beyond the file delays, the prisoners have accused jail officials of misbehavior. They reported submitting a formal complaint to the Human Rights Commission regarding these issues. When no action followed their complaint, the inmates decided to begin their hunger strike on Wednesday.
Official Response and Temporary Resolution
Following the protest initiation, DIG (Prisons) Daljeet Singh Rana visited the open jail in Nabha. He conducted discussions with the inmates to understand their grievances firsthand. During these talks, Rana assured the prisoners that their concerns would be properly investigated. He promised appropriate action would follow the inquiry.
Jail officials subsequently claimed that the inmates received assurances about a resolution to their complaints. Based on these assurances, the prisoners temporarily called off their hunger strike. The situation remains under close observation by prison authorities.
Official Perspective on Remission Procedures
A senior jail official, speaking anonymously, provided additional context about remission procedures. "Rules cannot be bypassed," the official stated. "The inmates are trying to threaten us by staging a protest, but legal procedures and rules have to be followed."
The official explained that remission in cases involving heinous crimes requires approval from higher authorities. Specifically, such decisions can only be made by the governor or the President. Jail officials themselves lack the competence to grant remission independently. This clarification highlights the procedural limitations facing both inmates and prison staff.
The protest at Nabha's open agricultural prison underscores ongoing tensions within Punjab's correctional system. It raises important questions about inmate rights, administrative efficiency, and the balance between rehabilitation and security concerns.
