MUSLIM INMATES DEBARRED FROM OFFERING FRIDAY PRAYERS

The authorities of the Lucknow jail have stopped Muslim prisoners from offering Friday prayers inside the jail premises. When these Muslim prisoners approached the jail authorities to seek permission for the same, they were bluntly refused. To protest against this denial of their basic rights, the 28 alleged Muslim terror suspects lodged in Lucknow jail have gone on indefinite hunger strike since Friday. Surprisingly, these accused are being meted out the most inhumane treatment imaginable. They are being kept in solitary confinements in dark and small cells with no ventilation. This is in gross violation of the provisions of the Jail Manual 1955. According to the said document, the prisoners should be provided with spacious and properly ventilated barracks. The rule book also mentions that the inmates should be accorded full religious freedom as well.