SUKKUR: Seven members of the security staff and four inmates were injured in a clash between the two sides in Sukkur Central Jail-I on Tuesday.

The prisoners also took hostage 12 personnel of the security staff, but agreed to free them after negotiations late in the night. Two personnel of the Frontier Corps were among the hostages.

The clash started at 9am and later turned into a battle during which the jail security staff resorted to aerial firing and teargas shelling to disperse the prisoners. The inmates allegedly attacked the staff with iron rod, batons and bricks.

There have been a number of incidents in Sukkur jail over the past few years where the prisoners have fiercely reacted againsttheir maltreatment and non-implementation of the prison manual.

A number of jail officials who are under treatment in the Civil Hospital told journalists some prisoners were found trying to dig a tunnel to escape from the jail. The authorities launched an operation after learning about the attempt.

The injured policemen said they felt insecure in the hospital because there was no security cover.

They called for posting of guards in view of the tension in Central Jail-I.

Four prisoners were admitted to the jail hospital. Some prisoners said they were merely protesting against power cuts and water shortage.

They also complained of bad food and absence of medical facilities and doctor.

“When our relatives come to meet us, they are harassed and whatever food and medicines they bring for us, reaches the jail staff instead. Our relatives are also forced to pay bribes before being allowed to meet us,” a prisoner complained.

Repeated attempts to seek the jail superintendent’s version were fruitless.