New Delhi:Seeking to speed up release of prisoners in each other s jails, a judicial panel set up by India and Pakistan today recommended repatriation of inmates having travel documents by September 30.

The eight-member Committee, which visited jails in Amritsar, Delhi and Jaipur between August 18-23,also suggested that the two governments ask the respective courts to expeditiously dispose of cases of all the under-trials.

As many as 378 Pakistani prisoners were lodged in various jails across the country, a figure disputed by Islamabad, which claims that 644 of its nationals are imprisoned in India.

According to Indian authorities, 687 Indian prisoners , including 412 fishermen, are languishing in various jails in Pakistan, which acknowledges presence of 470 inmates, including 412 fishermen.

During the current visit, 131 Pakistani prisoners were produced before the Committee.

The panel made a strong pitch for early release of women, juvenile prisoners, inmates who are terminally ill, suffering from serious illness or disability, mentally disabled persons and those involved in minor offences like violation of the Foreigners Act, border crossing, and visa violation like overstaying or visiting places not covered by the visa.

It also demanded immediate consular access, not later than September 30,to all those prisoners who have not been granted the facility.
Source : PTI