Kashmir Singh freed after 35 yrs in Pak jail

New Delhi: He languished in a jail in Pakistan for 35 years, forsaken by his country, almost forgotten by his family. However, on Monday evening, Kashmir Singh got a new lease of life after he was freed from Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore.

He will be reunited with his family at the Wagah border on Tuesday. Singh was pardoned last week by President Pervez Musharraf his case was taken up by caretaker Human Rights Minister Ansar Burney.

Kashmir Singh emerged from the Kot Lakhpat Central Jail a little after 8.20 pm (local time). Escorted by Burney and his family, a relieved-looking Singh got into a waiting vehicle and was driven to a five-star hotel where he would spend the night.

Some people showered rose petals on the car as it sped away from the jail. Later, he was handed over to the Burney Trust by the Pakistani authorities.

Singh's release from jail was beamed live on all Pakistani news channels, but he did not speak to the waiting media.

"My wife and I will accompany Singh to Wagah where he will be reunited with his family at 11 am on Tuesday," Burney said.

Suresh Reddy, the visa counsellor from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, went to Lahore to hand over Singh's travel documents at the jail.

"Singh is in sound health. He has been following the news about his case on radio and TV and is excited at the prospect of seeing his family," Reddy said.

His family seem to be excited. "I am relieved that he is hale and hearty," says his wife.

Kashmir Singh's childhood friend says that he was energetic in his childhood days and that is what has kept him fit and fine even while he spent his 35 years in jail. "I am waiting to see him and embrace him," says Kashmir Singh's friend.

Though there was a slight delay in completing certain formalities for the prisoner's release, Burney asked officials at the jail to remain in their offices beyond normal working hours so that Singh could be freed today itself.

(With agency reports)

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