Even as the fate of Sarabjit Singh, sentenced to death by Pakistan in connection with bomb blasts there in 1990, hangs in the balance, the family of another Indian facing capital punishment in Pakistan on similar charges has appealed for his release and sought the help of the government.
Kirpal Singh went missing from his native village, Mustafabad Saydan, in Gurdaspur district (on the border) in 1992. He was found lodged in a Pakistani jail two and a half years later, says his family. He has since been sentenced to death in connection with four bomb blasts in Lahore and his appeal against it is pending in the Pakistan Supreme Court.
His family disclosed this on Tuesday, adding that Singh is innocent and that the government should help procure his release. Kirpal's sister-in-law Kamlesh Rani and sister Jagir Kaur, both of whom are widowed now, are fighting against all odds to ensure his return.
Last week, the family went to the Wagah border to enquire about the well-being of Kirpal Singh from Indian civilians who returned home from various jails in Pakistan. One of those released from Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore, Lakhwinder Singh, told the family that Kirpal was lodged in block seven of the jail, along with Sarabjit Singh and a Sudanese national.
All three had been awarded capital punishment and were not allowed to meet anyone, said Lakhwinder, who was also lodged in the same jail and had seen him there.