The family of death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh, who died after a brutal attack inside a Pakistan jail in May this year, said on Thursday that some of his things, including his diary, were not among the things returned to them.
Dalbir Kaur, Singh’s sister, along with family members were handed over 36 of his personal items, packed in three boxes, by the Indian High Commission officials at Attari border on Thursday.
Dalbir is disappointed that her brother’s diary, that he kept during his 22 years of captivity in Pakistan jail, was not handed over.
“When I visited him in Lahore jail he told me about his daily diary that had all details of what he and other inmates had to put up with and how he was humiliated over small issues by the Pakistani jail officials. That diary would have exposed Pakistan before the international community,” she said.
“I appeal to the government of India to ensure that his diary is returned by the Pakistani authorities,” Dalbir added.
Sarbjit’s belongings were brought to Attari, by the Indian High Commission officials from Islamabad. These were handed over to them by Pakistani authorities earlier this week and were given after customs officials checked them.
Among the belongings received by the family were a Hanuman Chaalisa, Shaani Chalisa, a copy of the Quran, a kettle, spectacles, shawl, blanket, water pitcher, shoes, wristwatch, some photos taken in India and a sealed small box.
An emotional Dalbir, Sarabjit’s wife Sukhpreet and daughters Swapandeep and Poonam, along with other relatives and villagers from Bhikhiwind village near Amritsar received the belongings.
Government officials from Amritsar were present when the belongings were handed over. “I had longed for the day to receive Sarabjit at the border gate. But he was killed before that could happen,” Dalbir said.