Burney's India visit raises hopes among Pak PoW kin

Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir), Apr.2 : Former Pakistan Human Rights Minister Ansar Burney's visit to Punjab to discuss the modalities for the possible release of Sarabjit Singh, the man on death row in Pakistan, has raised hopes among relatives of other prisoners of war (PoW) languishing in the Pakistani jails since 1971.

Burney, who played a leading role in securing the release of another Indian, Kashmir Singh, last month, has convinced many in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, that he commands enough influence in Pakistan to effect the release of other Indian prisoners.

"We have been running from pillar to post but nothing has materialized. According to me, all these prisoners should be released. Our Jammu and Kashmir Government has not helped us in facilitating the same. But if you see, the Punjab Government has been working in this direction and they have even passed a resolution to the effect that all efforts would be made to release the prisoners. But our government has not even provided us with any financial help," claimed Bansi Lal, a relative of Jagdish Lal, 1971-Prisoner Of War in Pakistan.

Burney is visiting India at the invitation of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

ANI