Indian national Kashmir Singh, who was released from the Kot Lakhpat Jail on Monday night after 35 years in imprisonment, was handed over to Indian officials at Wagah border on Tuesday. Having been released from the jail following acceptance of his mercy plea by President Pervez Musharraf, he was given in the custody of Ansar Burney Trust. He stayed at a local hotel on Monday night.
Caretaker Minister Ansar Burney, accompanied by his wife and son, saw off Kashmir Singh at Wagah border where emotional scenes were witnessed. Clad in grey and white striped shirt and trousers in matching colour, Kashmir Singh embraced Ansar before crossing Wagah border. On the other side of the Zero Line, a provincial information minister, Bikram Singh Manjeeta, and other officials received him.
Kashmir Singh's family and friends welcomed his homecoming inside a hall on the other side of the border. The Indians presented bouquets of flowers and a basket of sweets to the released prisoner. Eyes brimming with tears of joy on his gaining freedom and meeting his family, Kashmir Singh looked graceful and sober before crossing over to Indian territory.
A large number of media persons were present at Wagah border. In his brief remarks, Kashmir Singh thanked Pakistani nation, especially President Musharraf for his kind gesture of awarding him pardon. He also expressed gratitude to Ansar Burney. Burney told reporters that the release of Kashmir Singh was a goodwill message that would promote Pak-India relations. He expressed hope that India would also show a positive gesture in response of Kashmir Singh's release and would take measures for the release of Pakistanis imprisoned in Indian jails.