Raj outfit demands release of Indians in Pak jails

Jaipur, Aug 12 (UNI) Thar Jagruk Nagarik Munch, a Barmer based outfit, has urged Rajasthan government to take the initiative for an early release and repatriation of nine Indians who have been languishing in Pakistan jails for several years after crossing into the other side inadvertently.

A delegation of the organisation accompanied with kins of the Indian prisoners today met Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria and urged him to take initiative through the Home and External Affairs Ministries to ensure early release of these poor people most of whom are shepherds.

While eight of such prisoners hail from Chohtan sub division of Barmer district, one Jamaldin belongs to Ramgarh region in Jaisalmer district, organisation president Laxmi Devi and secretary Ram Chandra said.

The jail term of four prisoners -- Meeru Khan, Bijaram Meghwal, Anwar Khan and his brother Khoja Khan had already been completed and their release and repatriation was delayed only in want of identity verification by the Indian authorities.

Likewise, Tilaram Bhil, Sahuram Meghwal, Bhag Singh and Ishwara Ram Meghwal of Chohtan(Barmer) and Jamaldin of Jaisalmer were also languishing in jails on the other side for a period ranging between eight to 20 years.

UNI SS SP HT1904