This story is a paradox - both tragic and hopeful in equal measure. 'NewKerala.com' reported today on the release of Kashmir Singh, an Indian man imprisoned on death row in 1973 - in Pakistan. Singh (now known as Ibrahim, having converted to Islam after 6 months in prison) was arrested on charges of spying, but another man arrested and imprisoned with him was released after 10 years. Somehow, Singh remained in prison, spending 23.5 hours a day in a tiny cell and never once receiving a visitor. He was lost to his relatives, and it seems to the authorities, until he was found by Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights, Ansar Burney. 
The minister had responded to Indians in the UK who highlighted Singh's case, and he then petitioned Pakistani President Musharraf for the man's release. Musharraf agreed, and Singh will travel to India tomorrow, to be reunited with his (patient) wife and children. An amazing story, and one that raises hope for many other prisoners in Singh's position - on both sides of the India-Pakistan border. (Photo of Singh after his release from AFP/Getty.)
Monday, March 3, 2008
144: Indian prisoner released after 35 years alone
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2 comments:
Truly horrific. 35 years is enough to drive anyone crazy. I know I couldn't have survived.
When will the world learn? God only knows...
Hi Hammy
Yes, I agree. Can you imagine being 'lost' in prison for 35 years? It's just unbelievable. Poignantly enough, I was born the same year Kashmir Singh was imprisoned. So it would be like living my whole life without seeing daylight, staying in a small filthy cell, having nobody come and see me... I'm amazed this man is still able to talk, to be honest...
Anyway, the world is learning... slowly. It looks as if this event may set off a chain of overdue prisoner releases on both sides of the border... and Pakistan looks set to create a Human Rights Commission of some sort. All good developments.
E
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