“We demand the immediate release of Sarabjit from Pakistani prison,” said Shamim Ahmed, West Bengal state in-charge of IHRPA.

The demonstration, which is being held at the Metro Channel, began at 8 am on Wednesday and will continue till 8 pm on Thursday. Nearly 150 people are participating in the demonstration.

“It will be a peaceful protest. There will be no speeches or burning of effigies. We have placed our demands before the appropriate government agencies in India as well as in Pakistan,” said Ahmed. The demonstration was preceded by submission of memorandums to the Prime Minister, the President and the foreign ministry, as well as the Pakistani Embassy in New Delhi.

Acknowledging the 21-day postponement of Singh’s hanging as a success for their efforts, Ahmed believes that if Sarabjit is eventually hanged, it will be a crime against humanity. “He has been in prison for about two decades now. Why wasn’t any action taken earlier?” he asked.

He added that if Singh was hanged, it will be a matter of national shame for the Indian government as well as its people. IHRPA has been protesting in various parts of the country in this connection, including New Delhi, where recently a protest march was held from the Jantar Mantar to the India Gate.

A IHRPA team, including Ahmed, will leave for New Delhi on May 5 to meet several government agencies to present its demands and another memorandum.