Mateen Hafeez TNN
Mumbai: Life inside a highsecurity prison is mundane and far from easy. Despite cops keeping a constant vigil, gangs often clash and tempers fly. Now, Arthur Road jail authorities, in a bid to promote harmony among inmates, have decided to organize sports competitions. The first such event, a tug-of-war, was held between two groups—one comprising Indian inmates and the other consisting of foreign prisoners, including Tanzanians and Nigerians,—inside the jail premises on Monday. The Indian group, however, lost the match. The prison, built in 1925, has been in the news due to gang-wars. It also houses the nation’s most secure prisoner—26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab. Explaining the rationale behind introduction of games in the jail, inspectorgeneral of prisons Surendra Kumar said, “This jail is only for undertrials. Why deprive them of sporting activities? It could bring them closer.”
Pointing out that the games will help break the ice between the inmates, he said, “Most of the undertrials look tense. Sports competitions will provide them with a good platform to show their abilities and win prizes.” Jail authorities are now debating whether or not to include kabaddi. Meanwhile, jail authorities said that they are planning to organize rangoli, mehndi, singing and elocution competitions for women inmates at Byculla prison.
The Times of India, October 21, 2010
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