Minister Muqam Demands Action After Prison Break in Rawalakot Jail

APP

Mirpur: Federal Minister for States & Frontier Regions (SAFFRON), Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Sunday took notice of the prisoners who fled from Rawalakot jail.

In a statement issued here, the federal minister asked the chief secretary and Inspector General of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to investigate the incident and report within 48 hours.

He directed the authorities concerned to take immediate action to arrest the culprits, adding that stern actions should also be taken against those involved in negligence in this matter.

He assured that all necessary assistance and support would be provided to detain the criminals.

According to the details, 19 prisoners, including six awaiting capital punishment, escaped from Rawalakot district jail on Sunday, according to official sources.

Bader Muneer, Inspector General Prisons Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK), confirmed the incident, stating, “Further investigations are underway to determine the jail staffers responsible for this major negligence and dereliction of duties.”

The escape occurred during lunchtime as the inmates, convicted for various serious crimes such as murder and hailing from different parts of AJK, were being moved within the prison.

Reports suggest that the jail staff failed to immediately apprehend the escapees. One of the prisoners, Hayam Saeed, reportedly sustained injuries during the escape attempt.