By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The violent clash which broke out among the Under Trails Prisoners (UTPs) at Shillong District Jail on Wednesday has once again exposed the serious breach of security inside the jail premises.
And it is not as if the State Government is unaware of the several instances when security was breached inside the jail premises. The Government simply ignored the inputs it received about the situation prevailing inside the Shillong jail.
Sources from the Government on Thursday informed that several letters were written to the Principal Secretary in charge of Prisons as well as the Chief Secretary about the activities of the GNLA leader Champion Sangma inside the jail.
The Government was also informed about Champion Sangma’s unhealthy interface with other under trial prisoners (UTPs)but no remedial measures were taken to keep a check on the activities inside the jail premises.
On Wednesday night eight persons including the outlawed GNLA chairman Champion Sangma was injured during the violent brawl that broke out in the jail.
Interestingly the Government was informed on June 25 about the frequent security loopholes in the jail and was warned that untoward incidents inside the jail could not be ruled out. It seems prophetic that the unfortunate incident should take place the very next day.
Reports were given to concerned officials in the Government about the use of cell phones and that recharge of amounting to over Rs 15000 a month were allowed to keep cell phones active. Certain GNLA cadres have been using cell phones since September last year.
Government sources also informed that installation of phone jammers inside the jail premises had been suggested but Meghalaya Police refused to entertain the idea stating that it would have other complications.
According to sources, the Department of Prisons had consistently urged the State Government to consider shifting Champion Sangma to other jails in Assam or even Tihar jail and the trial could have been conducted through video conferencing. Government was also asked to take measures to de-congest the overcrowded Shillong District Jail but none of the suggestions were acted upon.
Shillong District jail has the capacity to accommodate 150 (135 males and 15 females) inmates. The number of prisoners lodged inside now is 400 (386 males and 14 females).
“Security of Champion Sangma can no longer be guaranteed,” said a letter which was forwarded to the Government.
Government was also informed that such gross indiscipline inside the jail premises increased after the strike of jail employees.
Champion sustained head injuries after inmates hit him with sticks inside the jail premises. The inmates were reportedly fed up with the high-handed attitude of the GNLA Chairperson.
The Shillong District Jail altogether has witnessed 30 jail breaks since its inception until 2009 when Fullmoon Dhar along with other UTPs managed to flee from the jail.