Surjeet Singh released after 30 yrs of jail and handed over to India at Wagah.

June 28, Wagah: Surjeet Singh, who have spent over 30 years in a Pakistani jail on charges of spying, has been released on Thursday morning from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail and handed over to India at Wagah border.

The 69-year-old told the media outside the Karachi jail that he was very happy with his release. “I am waiting to hug my children and go to the Golden Temple” he said. Surjeet is returning to India via the Wagah border. He was escorted by Pakistani Policemen to the Wagah border crossing, and he will be handed over to Indian authorities (BSF personells).

Hand-over meetings between Pakistani Rangers and BSF authorities were progressing at this time in wagah.

His family from Ferozepur and villagers, in full celebration mode, are at Wagah to receive him. “I was just three years old when he left. It’s been so long and we are really awaiting his release,” says his son Kulwinder Singh.

Surjeet Singh was held on spying charges during Zia-ul Haq’s rule. His death sentence was commuted in 1989 by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan on the advice of then prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Surjeet Singh’s release has been filled with controversy. Two days ago, Pakistani and then Indian media reported on the release of another prisoner Sarabjit Singh. More than 8 hours later, the Pakistani government then clarified that Surjeet Singh and not Sarabjit Singh was to be released.

According to news agency, Surjeet Singh met his fellow prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail yesterday to bid them farewell.

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Posted by Samir on Thursday, June 28th, 2012. Filed under India News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.