SHILLONG: Despite a previous magisterial inquiry headed by MK Marak, former Additional District Magistrate, Williamnagar, suggesting security preparedness following the killing of two jailors in Williamanagar jail on February 2, 2013 by unidentified militants, the Government had ignored the suggestions resulting in the jailbreak of May 3 from Williamnagar jail.
Even after the escape of six prisoners including GNLA, ASAK cadres and a convicted rapist from the Williamnagar jail on Sunday, no action has been taken against the jail staff for the laxity.
One of the suggestions of the magisterial inquiry report into the February 2, 2013 incident, a copy of which is available with The Shillong Times, said that security preparedness was paramount. “One platoon of Homeguards for jail duties and sufficient strength of armed personnel to man all the important entry points and covering round the clock duties is necessary”, the report said.
On February 2, 2013, Assistant Jailor Neil Warjri and warden, Sarai Singh Thabah were killed when militants stormed the Williamnagar jail premises.
Another suggestion of the inquiry report was to equip the security personnel with latest arms and ammunition.
Moreover, proper infra-structure to secure the personnel on duty as per the Standard Operation Procedures of jail Manual such as barricades, sand bags, towers and others were also stressed upon.
The probe highlighted that “installation of latest gadgets or appliances like siren, CCTV, flood lights and others cannot be compromised”
According to the report, building design of jail administrative block needs to be relooked and basic safety measures to the security requirements need to be re-installed.
“Second boundary wall needs to be erected besides blocking the open spaces all along the walls” the report said.
Frequent patrolling in and around jail premises or relocation of police outpost near the district jail premises, was another suggestion.
