Srinagar, Aug 25 (KNS): Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said that the government must shift prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir, who are lodged in jails outside the Union Territory, back to local prisons to ensure speedy trials and access for their families.

According to KNS, She said many detainees, including senior leaders and ordinary youth, continue to languish in jails without convictions. “Our prisoners do not get parole, furlough or bail, while even hardened criminals elsewhere secure these rights. Families of the poor cannot afford to travel and meet their loved ones outside J&K,” she added.

Mufti said the issue should be addressed beyond politics. “As a matter of humanity, not politics, I appeal that these prisoners be shifted back to Jammu and Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis will make court hearings faster and allow families to meet them,” she said.

Recalling a resolution moved by her party in the Assembly years ago, she urged National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and other parties to jointly press the Centre. “If you cannot release them, at least meet the Home Minister and demand their return. An all-party delegation or ministers should be sent to different jails to assess their condition,” she said.

PDP chief cited the poor health of senior leaders like Shabbir Shah and others, and warned that the plight of ordinary detainees was even worse.(KNS)