Shower of flowers & tears as surjeet returns home

Wagha border on Thursday was quite the celebration point, with Surjeet Singh’s family dancing to drumbeats. Wagha border on Thursday was quite the celebration point, with Surjeet Singh’s

family dancing to drumbeats. After spending more than 30 years behind bars in Pakistan on charges of spying, Surjeet was brought handcuffed to the border from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail. As

soon as he was set free, he entered India with tears in his eyes. His wife, Harbans Kaur, who had lost all hope, gave him a warm hug even as his son Kulwinder clung on to his father’s

shoulders in joy. “This is incredible,” said Surjeet overwhelmed, as his family showered flowers on him and danced. Hailing from Phidde village in Ferozepur district, Surjeet had gone

missing in 1981. He was taken into custody in Pakistan soon after, but his family had no clue of his whereabouts. At one stage, they even presumed him dead. In November 2004, they came to

know when Gurjit Singh of Mansurwal village in Zira, who had been arrested with Surjeet on espionage charges, returned home. “He carried a letter from my husband saying he was serving a life

term that would end on October 27, 2010,” Harbans Kaur said. “Prior to receiving this letter, we had written several times to the police and the government to trace my father,” said

Kulwinder. Fighting back tears, he said his younger brother, frustrated at the lack of response from the government, had killed himself six years ago. “But we are happy today. All is well

that ends well,” he said. Surjeet completed his life term in 2005 and had to spend seven extra years in jail before the Pakistan president announced his release. Aware of the controversy

surrounding Sarabjit Singh, Surjeet said he used to meet Sarabjit in the Lahore jail once a week, and said he was in a fine condition. “Indian prisoners are treated well there. Sarabjit is

fine. But he hasn’t sent any message,” Surjeet said. He said India’s efforts towards Sarabjit’s release had gone in vain as certain groups in Pakistan are opposed to him being released. “I

wish Sarabjit is released soon,” he added. “We thank God that at least someone has returned home,” said Sarabjit’s sister Dalbir Kaur. She said the family is going to request president Asif

Ali Zardari once again to intervene and help Sarabjit get released as he has already spent 22 years in jail there.