J&K: Riots, protest break out in Central jail of Srinagar, inmates burn temporary shelter

Riots and violent protests have taken place in the Central jail of Srinagar after rumours were spread that some inmates of the jail were being shifted out of the Kashmir valley by the jail authorities.

As per officials, the jail inmates have also protested over the construction of new barracks inside the jail, which has irked many out there.

A police official said, “There were no casualties or injuries.”

DGP Dilbagh Singh, who is also the Director General Prisons, has stated that it is the activity of some inmates who eventually instigated the others of the group to resist the constriction of new barracks and the reinforcement work, as reported by the local media.

Dilbagh Singh was quoted as saying, “Others (jail inmates) joined and resorted to some violent acts on the jail staff. (They ) also set some place on fire. Fire tenders are on the spot and working.”

The officials further said that the jail inmates had tried to come out of the downtown area and cordon off the place.

Senior police officers and a company of CRPF were hurried to the jail after the tension escalated to normalize the situation and bring it under control.