The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday issued notices to Punjab government and state police over the reported hunger strike by the Bathinda jail prisoners demanding better facilities.
Taking suo motu cognizance of a media report that some prisoners lodged inside Bathinda Central Jail went on hunger strike demanding better facilities, the Rights body has issued notices to state Chief Secretary and Director General of Prisons, calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.
The NHRC said the reports must contain the steps taken or proposed to be taken as per Model Prison Manual, 2016.
The Commision said it has also asked its Special Rapporteur Mahesh Singla to inspect the Bathinda Central Jail and submit a report at the earliest.
According to the media report, carried on May 15, the prisoners have also been demanding facilities to go outside the barracks for walks and smooth top-up of their canteen cards, which are presently facing issues. They are asking for the installation of televisions in their barracks, for entertainment.
About 15 days back also, these inmates had gone on a hunger strike but called it off after an assurance from the jail authorities to look into their demands.
