Jammu, Feb 10: Sopore legislator Irshad Rasool appealed in the Assembly on Tuesday for prisoners detained outside the Union Territory, particularly youth, to be shifted back to Jammu and Kashmir, cited severe mental and physical health deterioration among the inmates.
Speaking during the budget discussion, the MLA according to Kashmir Convener began by highlighting local development projects in his constituency. These included a ₹35 crore allocation for an Ayurvedic college and a cycling track from Adipora to Watlab, aimed at boosting eco-tourism around North Kashmir’s second-largest lake.
He then shifted focus to the condition of detainees. “I appeal to the government and the Speaker to bring our prisoners, who are suffering from various diseases, back to J&K,” MLA Rasool said.
The legislator claimed that many prisoners were under severe mental stress and required proper medical treatment. He alleged that “political prisoners are being harassed,” a reference he extended to an elderly woman who recently sold land to meet the needs of her ailing, jailed son. He stated that people from weaker sections had sold their only surviving land in hopes of their children’s return home.
MLA Kar stated, “There is no doubt that our children are suffering from different diseases. Many have become mentally ill due to stress. Some have tried to commit suicide in different jails or tried to cut their nerves.”
He further claimed, “Most of the children who are released… some of them have to wear adult diapers because they are not aware of the world.”
MLA Kar demanded, “I have appealed to the government to release all the political prisoners outside J&K, and at least bring back the prisoners who are suffering from some disease.”
The issue of Kashmiri detainees held in jails outside the region has been raised repeatedly by regional politicians and rights groups. They cite logistical hurdles for families and allege a denial of adequate legal and medical facilities.
MLA Rasool also highlighted the demand for district status for Sopore, as well as for an agricultural university at Wadoora, which he stated is a long-term demand for its residents.
Earlier on Tuesday, The Baramulla district administration has approved the procurement of three advanced life-support ambulances for health centres in Sopore assembly constituency.
The approval was granted by the District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, for the purchase of three Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus ambulances at a cost of Rs 46.77 lakh.
The vehicles will be funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) of MLA Irshad Rasool Kar.
According to the order of which a copy lies with Kashmir Convener reads, ambulances will be deployed at the Sub District Hospital in Sopore and the New Type Primary Health Centres in Tarzoo and Duroo. The Chief Medical Officer of Baramulla has been designated as the executing agency, with procurement to be carried out as per General Financial Rules, 2017.
The order also mandates that the funds be used solely for the specified purpose, with a physical verification of the vehicles required before payment release, officials said.
MLA Irshad Rasool Kar said the move aims to strengthen emergency medical services in the region. “With this new procurement, a total of six ambulances are being added this year. The same number will be added in the next financial year if required. Better healthcare infrastructure is a top priority,” he said.
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