Family members of PoWs ask govt to ensure release of their kin

Family members of the Prisoners of War (PoWs) today appealed to both Centre and Pakistani government, to forget animosity and ensure release of their kin, captured during the 1971 war.
"We appeal to the Centre to ensure the release of PoWs, who have been languishing in Pakistani jails for the past 42 years. We also urge the Pakistani Government to be considerate towards Indian prisoners, particularly the PoWs, and release them," said Bansi Lal, whose father-in-law Jagdish Raj, was captured by Pakistani forces from Dhaka.
The recent killings of Sarabjit Singh and Chamel Singh in Pakistan's Kot Lakhpat jail have increased their worries about the safety of their kin, he said.

"Both countries should stop the blood bath. The recent incidents in India and Pakistan have increased our worries. We fear about the well being of our relatives who are languishing in Pakistani jails. The killing of prisoners is condemnable, their security is the responsibility of Pakistani authorities," Bansi Lal told reporters during a press conference organised by the Defence Personnel Relatives Association here.
Nirmal Kour, wife of Subedar Assa Singh, who had gone missing from Chhamb Sector during the Indo-Pak war in 1971, criticised the Centre and alleged that no concrete steps were taken for the release of PoWs.
"No serious attempts have been made by the government to ensure the release of our PoWs," she alleged.

Nirmal was among the 13-member team of close relatives of 54 Indian PoWs, which went to Pakistan in 2007, but had returned empty handed as she could not locate her husband in the jails where Pakistani authorities allowed them to visit.
Relatives of Lt Mohan Lal of 8 JAKLI and Krishan Lal from JK Rifles expressed concern over the whereabouts and well being of their kin.
Bansi Lal also insisted that apart from the PoWs, people who have completed jail terms, should also be released on humanitarian grounds.