The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is coordinating the security and logistical arrangements for the cremation of Sarabjit Singh in his native village Bhikhiwind, Punjab. Sources said that two director-level officers were rushed to Amritsar by Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Thursday to look after the arrangements for the last rites and to ensure proper security in the region.
“An advisory has also been issued to all the states by the Home Ministry to step up security of Pakistani prisoners lodged in various Indian Jails,” sources said.
At least 220 Pakistani nationals are lodged in various jails in the country. Sources said following Sarabjit’s death Home Ministry may review the prisoners’ exchange programme with Pakistan.
Amnesty International said those responsible should be promptly prosecuted in fair trials, including prison staff, if the evidence shows their negligence may have helped facilitate the attack.
“Pakistan prison authorities have seemingly failed in their duty to protect Sarabjit,” said Polly Truscott, Amnesty International’s Deputy Asia Pacific Director.
The BJP demanded that India should grant refugee status to the displaced Hindus from Pakistan. BJP Delhi unit president vijay Goel also gave `10 lakh to over 480 Pakistani Hindus staying in Bijwasan village here.
On Sunday, BJP national president Rajnath Singh had met the groups of Pakistani Hindus.