A new life dawns for Kashmir Singh after 35 yrs

The families of 54 missing Indian defence personnel are still waiting to meet their loved ones, who are believed to be in Pakistani jails as prisoners of war (POWs) for the past 36 long years. Seventy-year-old Nirmal Kore, the wife of Assa Singh, is still waiting for her husband to return from a war that took place 36 years back. Assa Singh, a Subedar in the 5-Sikh regiment, is believed to be in Pakistan as a POW since 1971. Assa Singh’s son, Harcharan Singh, is convinced that his father is still alive. Harcharan Singh said that Bhogal Ram, another soldier, was released from Pakistan in 2000 and had seen Assa Singh alive at the Kot Lakhpat jail. Harcharan was five when his father left for war and the growing up was hard. He said, “My mother had to undergo a lot of suffering. The landlord snatched away our land and the government provided no financial aid, job or land.” He added, “My mother is suffering from health problems. The government has done nothing to ensure the release of my father. But what happened has happened I have lost my childhood, my family has undergone pain and agony; now my only wish is to meet my father and embrace him.” Sixty-year-old Kanta Devi echoes such a story of waiting, longing and desperation. Her husband Subedar Kali Das has not been seen since the 1971 but after the war, she heard on Pakistan Radio that he was caught alive. Kanta is confident that her husband will return one day. She said, “I will offer a heavy gold ring at the Kali temple, go to Vaishno Devi and take a dip in the river Ganges with my family upon his return. Raising four sons and two daughters was not easy. I got my children educated and married from the Rs 300 pension that I received. There was no other support from the government,” said Kanti.

In 60 years of independence, India has fought wars in 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971 and recently in Kargil. A proxy-war has also been going on for a long time. Twenty thousand Indian Jawans have died in these wars. Since 1971 war, 54 Indian heroes are still rotting in Pakistani jails for the last 36 long years while their families struggle to persuade our good for nothing politicians to do something for their release. Despite all their sacrifices, it has seemingly not occurred to us to build a memorial in their memory. Instead, we have devoted several acres of land to the memorials of politicians belonging to the ruling party (I don't include Gandhiji, who was not part of any political party towards the end of his life). Not only that, national attention and energy is spent in visiting these memorials on birthdays and death anniversaries. The Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate was built by the British to commemorate the dead of the armed forces who fought in First and Second World War. Thus, those whom we have used like cannon-fodder, those who stood steadfast at the borders while we were safe in our homes, have not been commemorated in national memory. They are largely relegated to the dustbins of history. Can the sense of outrage all thinking people will have on this issue be channelled towards ensuring that the Indian State meets its obligations to the country's armed forces in a fair and transparent manner?

How many more innocent people are detained by these treacherous pakis? They just revealed one of their grave mistake, but can they correct the mistake done to Mr Kashmir Singh. Shame on Indian politicians who did not care to check on this man and others missing like him. My feeling is that there are many more such Indians being tortured in Paki prisons. This is proof of it and this should make the Indian officials and ministers to act for more investigation and actions.

India declares 10 crore for winning CB cup for cricketers but what about the people who lose their lives or spend mostly in prison for their country. Nothing is done on the forefront. its a pity. But still we are proud to be Indian

Welcome back Mr. Kashmir Singh!!! You are truly a great leader!Thank you so much Mr. Ansar Burney for your immense help in the release of Mr. Singh.

Here is one guy who wants India to release all Pakistani criminals/terrorists from Indian Jails.Shamelessly he is asking for all for one innocent who suffered 35 years in the worst jails of the world.India doesnT put innocent people in prisons but only after thorough investigations and confirmation of his/her crime.For good-will yes those who are behind the bars for reasonably enough time or perhaps there are few under suspicions their cases should be expedited and sent back.Otherwise I don't find something special done by Musharraf that people other than of this family should thank him but sure Mr.Ansar Burney deserves it because of bringing this case in light.

we released 93000 pak soldiers in 1971 but you are still holding back 54 Indian POW's please release them first then we can proceed with others.www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_19-1-2005_pg7_28

I am glad that Kashmir Singh kept his Sikh faith alive despite the 35 years of imprisonment in what must have been horrible conditions. He did not yield. Sat Sri Akal!

indian Govt should release now Pakistani Prisoners in Indian jail. Indian govt prove nothing against our Pakistani prisoners so let them go now.

Mr. Kashmir Singh should be given pension taking into consideration full age retirement with all due promotions. The Punjab Govt. should grant him a piece of Agricultural Land in-addition to land to help him construct a house-all this in any village of his choice.The pension should be with interest at market rate.Well all said

Kashmir Singh's return is worthy of thanks, but alas to the man who manipulates and masterminds media tactics and suppresses his own people so much that they do not like him. One should be careful, and therfore, no thanks, but thanks.

Hope he writes and publishes the treatment he received at the hands of Pakistanis...

Both Pak President, Parvez Musharraf and his Human Rights Minister, Asif Burney deserve our sincere thanks and praise for freeing condemned prisoner, Kashmira Singh who had been rotting in the Lahore prison for the last 35 years allegedly on the charge of spying. During prolonged incarceration in a small isolation cell, Kashmira Singh was said to have lost his mental balance and memory was said to be in a very bad state of health. It was Pak Human Rights Minister Minister who during his round of the jail noticed sick and lost Kashmira Singh and brought his plight to the notice of the President and pleaded for his release. On being freed, Kashmira Singh rejoined his family. He appeared to be in fairly good health. As his family is too poor to provide post-release care and treatment, the Government of Punjab will do well to ensure that Kashmira Singh is given the best possible medical and other care so that he gets back his mental equilibrium soon and spends the rest of his life happily. He pleaded for the release of Pakistani prisoners languishing in Indian jails. The Government of India should reciprocate Pak gesture. Pakistan should also release the Indian prisoners languishing in Pak jails. The good will gestures by the governments of the two countries will contribute a lot to the good relations between the two countries.RJ Khurana

Is this the story base of Veer Zara? Seriously.. Somebody tell me

I am sure Pakistan jail would have been a hell to Mr. Singh. But the matter of fact is that his wife Ms. Paramjit Kaur waited for this man for so many years. Just imagine, if it was the case in any other culture, the women would have married someone else. She is the hero of true Indian values and represent Indian culture. I can imagine what this women must have gone through to raise her three children and fighting with the government to get her husband. I salute you mam first! You are the true Indian matha! She should travel to Bangalore and give lectures to those girls who think that going to bar and having good night life is the best life!

Of course, it is a heartening and joyous moment for Kashmir singh and his family who being on death row in Pakistani jail for 35 years has at last been freed by Pakistan President after a lapse of 35 long years. Whether, it is due to political or humntarian grounds, yet it is a welcome gesture by Pakistani authorities. There are still large number of Indian prisoners, including 54 Indian Pows languishing in Pakistani jails under most inhuman and barbaric condition. Many of the Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails, due to most inhuman treatment meted out to them are maimed or have become insane. Despite Indian government best efforts and even producing documentary evidence, Pakistani authorities just flatly deny presence of Indian POWs and others in their custody. Whereas, magnanimity displayed by Indian government in releasing 93,000 Pakistani POWs immeditely after 1971 war as per the Geneva conventions, Pakistan has till date not reciprocated India's kind and humantarin gesture. As Tiger never changes its stripes, Pakistan government can not be outrightly trusted in Indo-Pak friendship and cordial relationship.

I am sure Indian Government will atleast compensate him financially.He deserves VIR CHAKRA.I know any amount of money and honour cannot replace lost days, but lets dwelve in present and do him the best.

This is truely an event which transcends...borders...religions...and even time!!!kudos to you Mr Singh for showing us the simple power of Hope!

I salute Mr. Singh, you have spent 35 years in Pakistan Jail, away from family with only hopes in dark. You are great, I just imagine, had I been in your place, and unable to stop tears to wet my eyes. I heartedly salute Sir. Please enjoy every moment of your life now.