Jammu, Oct 5: Pakistani and local militants, along with other high-risk Public Safety Act (PSA) detenues, are likely to be shifted to the newly constructed high-security prison at Dambra-Mahanpur in Kathua district, with authorities planning solitary confinement to prevent radicalisation of other inmates, according to reports.
The move is also aimed at restricting communication between such prisoners and the outside world, particularly through mobile phones and other electronic devices, reports said.
According to Daily Excelsior, the first batch of top militants and PSA detenues could be transferred from Kot Bhalwal, Srinagar and other prisons to Mahanpur after the facility is inaugurated, an event that could take place shortly.
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Intelligence agencies have previously recommended that Pakistani and Kashmiri militants arrested in various operations be kept separately from other prisoners, amid concerns that they could attempt to radicalise inmates or persuade them to join militancy.
The high-security prison, located in the hilly area of Billawar tehsil, is being developed primarily to house high-risk inmates, including Pakistani nationals, militants from Jammu and Kashmir and PSA detenues.
Sources said the facility has a capacity of around 600 inmates and includes barracks and provisions for solitary confinement.
“The jail has been constructed at such a location that it is not only very far away from the International Border but also is safely out of standard drone range,” sources said.
They added that the prison is among a limited number of facilities in the country equipped with modern surveillance systems and advanced security infrastructure.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has already taken charge of security arrangements at the facility, with personnel deployed at the prison.
Sources said modern surveillance systems and security equipment being installed inside and around the premises are intended to prevent inmates from using mobile phones or other electronic devices.
Construction of the prison is reportedly nearing completion, although the size of some solitary confinement cells was reduced during the construction process, resulting in a slight delay.
At present, Kot Bhalwal prison houses several high-risk militants arrested during security operations, including Pakistani nationals and militants from Jammu and Kashmir. Reports of overcrowding at the facility have also emerged from time to time.
The shifting of high-risk prisoners to Mahanpur is expected to ease pressure on Kot Bhalwal and Srinagar jails, while allowing authorities to segregate inmates considered particularly vulnerable to radicalisation risks.
