Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, June 27: A large number of prisoners of Prothrapur Jail went on Hunger Strike on last Tuesday demanding premature release of some prisoners for good behaviour, as per rules. But surprisingly, the strike went totally unnoticed and got almost zero coverage in media.
According to reports the prisoners of Prothrapur Jail were protesting against the recent decision of a Board of Prothrapur Jail against premature release of about six inmates, who have completed more than 14 years in Prothrapur Jail. The board meeting was conducted on 23rd June 2014.
The decision of board created a ripple inside the Jail, which resulted in Hunger Strike. According to reports, most of the participants of Hunger Strike were Burmese Poachers, who supported the cause thinking that if Indian authority does not release Indian prisoners prematurely even when they exhibit good behavior, what would be their fate in coming future.
Later after intervention of IG (Prison) and promise that the case will be reviewed by the Lt. Governor, the Hunger Strike was called off in the afternoon. Inmates who skipped breakfast and lunch, had their dinner on time.
Four of the inmates, whose cases were presented before the Board, have been given life imprisonment for murder while rest two were given life imprisonment in fake currency case.
Meanwhile, when Andaman Sheekha contacted the SP Prison about this incident, he told Andaman Sheekha that he is unaware about this development and promised to call back with details but no call was received till the paper was sent for print.
