J-K to set up intelligence units, introduce biometric systems in jails
Jammu and Kashmir is planning to establish dedicated prison intelligence units (PIUs) and introduce biometric systems across all jails in the Union Territory as part of efforts to strengthen prison security and prevent terror-related activities from being carried out behind bars.
According to The Indian Express, the proposals were discussed at a high-level review meeting of the Prisons Department chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan in Jammu on Thursday.
Officials said the proposed intelligence units would help authorities monitor activities inside prisons and tackle instances of terrorists and other hardened criminals allegedly operating networks despite being lodged in jails.
Sinha called for a unified coordination mechanism between the Police, Prisons Department and intelligence agencies, directing them to hold regular review meetings and share intelligence to counter terror networks, radicalisation and law-and-order threats.
He also directed officials to conduct surprise inspections of prison premises and surrounding areas and ensure forensic examination of any electronic devices seized inside jails.
The meeting also discussed expanding telemedicine facilities for inmates and strengthening the human resources of the Prisons Department.
At present, none of the prisons in Jammu and Kashmir has a dedicated intelligence unit, The Indian Express reported. However, Srinagar Central Jail and Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu have integrated security systems, including biometric verification, round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and full-body scanners.
The report noted that security agencies have previously uncovered instances of militants lodged in prisons allegedly using smuggled mobile phones and social media applications to communicate with associates in Kashmir and handlers in Pakistan.
Last year, agencies also uncovered an alleged inter-state terror network in which jailed militants were reportedly using encrypted messaging applications to coordinate funding, logistics and recruitment activities across Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed the progress of the upcoming high-security prison at Mahanpur in Kathua district and directed officials to complete the remaining work within the stipulated timeline.
The meeting was attended by J-K Police chief Nalin Prabhat, DGP Prisons Deepak Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Chandraker Bharti, ADGP CID M K Sinha and senior officials from the police, intelligence and civil administration.