CISF Takes Over Security at Srinagar Central Jail, Begins Broader Role in J&K Prisons
High-Security Jails in J&K Now Under Central Watch
CISF Deploys Advanced Surveillance and Security Measures in Overcrowded Jails
Rising Radicalisation, Overpopulation Prompt Central Security Intervention
Move Part of J&K’s Broader Prison Reforms and National Security Strategy
Srinagar, June 12, KNT: In a significant move to strengthen internal security and prison management in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has officially assumed charge of security at Srinagar Central Jail—one of the most high-profile and sensitive prisons in the Union Territory.
The takeover marks the beginning of a larger plan to gradually place more of J&K’s correctional facilities under CISF protection. Known for its proven track record in safeguarding strategic assets like airports, metros, and critical infrastructure, the CISF’s entry into the prison system of Jammu and Kashmir is being seen as a crucial step in dealing with emerging threats within the region’s jails.
Srinagar Central Jail, long considered a high-risk facility due to its location and the nature of inmates it houses—including militants and politically sensitive detainees—is now under the direct security cover of CISF personnel. These units are stationed at all key access points, surveillance towers, and monitoring centres inside the complex. The new security model includes biometric entry systems, CCTV networks, advanced screening tools, and sniffer dog squads.
“We protect you even in places you’re not supposed to be,” a CISF official remarked, underscoring the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of correctional institutions. “Our role isn’t just to keep threats out—but also to maintain internal order and secure every corner of the jail.”
The move comes at a time when prisons in Jammu and Kashmir are facing acute overcrowding and heightened concerns over radicalisation. According to data from April 30, 2025, the total inmate population in J&K stands at 5,295—far exceeding the system’s official capacity of 3,860. That puts occupancy at a staggering 137.2%.
The Union Territory currently operates 15 jails, including two central prisons in Kot Bhalwal and Srinagar, district-level facilities, a holding centre, and a correctional home. The largest, Kot Bhalwal, was designed for 902 inmates, while the smallest—Sub Jail Reasi—has space for just 26.
Security experts warn that prisons have increasingly become breeding grounds for internal threats and have witnessed instances of unrest, intelligence leaks, and jailbreak attempts in the past. The CISF’s structured and technology-driven security model is expected to mitigate such risks significantly.
This initiative also complements the broader restructuring of J&K’s prison framework. The recent adoption of the Prison Manual, 2022, brings the region’s correctional policies in line with the national Model Prison Manual, emphasizing modernisation, accountability, and rehabilitation.
While the CISF will now handle external and internal security operations, the Jammu and Kashmir Prisons Department continues to manage administrative duties, inmate welfare, and reform programs. It also oversees training for prison staff through the Institute of Correctional Services in Mishriwala and operates a dedicated holding centre.
“This isn’t merely a policing job. It’s a strategic move to anticipate and eliminate evolving threats within our correctional system,” said a retired senior prison officer. “For a place like J&K, with its unique security dynamics, this transition is both timely and necessary.”
