It was an emotional moment for the family of Sarabjit Singh on Tuesday when they received the first letter from him in two years.
When the envelope was opened, Sarabjit's family, including sister Dalbir Kaur, wife Sukhpreet Kaur and two daughters Swapandeep and Poonam, were overcome with emotion and had tears in their eyes.
The letter, along with the latest photograph of Sarabjit, was handed over by the local sub-divisional magistrate, who had earlier received it from officials of the Ministry of External Affairs at Patti, close to Bikhiwind, which is near the border with Pakistan.
Sarabjit has been sentenced to death by Pakistan's Supreme Court on charges of involvement in two blasts in that country and 'spying' for India.
In his letter, written from Lahore's Kotlakhpat Rai Jail, Sarabjit said, "I am fine here in the jail and hope all the family members are hale and hearty."
The letter, addressed to his sister Dalbir Kaur, also conveyed his love and regards for his wife and daughters, and brother-in-law, Baldev Singh. He has also expressed his love and affection for his neighbours and other villagers.
Dalbir Kaur said that with the receipt of this letter, the hope of Sarabjit's homecoming has been brightened for the family. Besides, for the first time in 15 years, the family has been able to see his photograph, she said.