Punjab declares 3-day state mourning, Rs.1 crore for Sarabjit family

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Thursday declared a three-day state mourning in Punjab following the death of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh in Pakistan.

"The chief minister declared a three-day state mourning in Punjab. Flags will fly at half mast on all government buildings and there will be no official ceremonial functions during this period," a state government spokesman said here.

Badal, who spoke to Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur by phone, also announced a financial assistance of Rs.1 crore to Sarabjit's family.

He assured the family members that the Punjab government would extend all help and support to Sarabjit's widow and two daughters.

Badal has already announced that the both daughters will be given government jobs.

He had earlier announced state-level honours at the cremation of Sarabjit Singh in his hometown Bhikhiwind. The cremation will take place Friday afternoon.

Sarabjit Singh succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal attack on him by fellow prisoners April 26 inside Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail.

--Indo-Asian News Service

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