The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued orders for the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to bolster security measures at Kot Bhalwal jail in Jammu. This high-security prison holds a significant number of militants, including both local and Pakistani individuals.
An official told that the decision to transfer security responsibilities to CISF was prompted by concerns regarding the use of unauthorized communication devices, particularly mobile phones, by both Pakistani and Kashmiri militants within the jail premises.
He said previous raids conducted in the jail had exposed instances of smuggled mobile phones, SIM cards, and sharp-edged weapons.
This move closely follows the recent deployment of CISF personnel at Srinagar jail, which also houses a substantial number of militants, including foreign fighters and detainees under the Public Safety Act (PSA). By shifting security duties from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to CISF at Kot Bhalwal jail, the CRPF personnel will be able to focus their efforts on anti-militancy operations in the region he said.
The officer further suggested that the deployment of CISF for security at other prisons, especially those housing militants, might be considered in the future. However, it is important to note that the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and the staff of the Prisons Department will continue to play their roles alongside the CISF presence he added.
The CISF will be entrusted with securing both the inner and outer perimeters of Kot Bhalwal jail. Their personnel will be on round-the-clock duty, diligently safeguarding the premises and upholding the existing security arrangements the officer further added.
Pertinent to mention here that Kot Bhalwal jail currently incarcerates approximately 900 militants, consisting of both local and foreign members from various outfits, with a majority being Pakistani nationals.
