Timely action is missing in Sarabjit's case... Reform required

By Kiran Deep

Sarabjit who died as a result of a brutal attack by fellow inmates was the second Indian prisoner this year to die in Pakistan's Kot Lakhpat Jail. Pakistan is miserably failed to protect the human rights of Sarabjit Singh who was brutally beaten by jail inmates which eventually led to his death. This case has highlighted that there is much needs to be done to protect the human rights of prisoners at national and international level. In addition to it, there is also need to constitute international body by the different countries jointly comprising of judges, advocates and human right activists to deal with the cases of prisoners such as Sarabjit case. The death of Sarabjit also highlighted that need of international body is important  to ensure that no innocent has to undergo any suffering, illegal detention, any assault and death due to assault by fellow inmates. Mean time, it has also to be ensure that who so ever commit crime should be punished as per the law of country.

Since morning the leaders of almost all the parties have been showing their solidarity with the family members of Sarabjit and expressing deep regret over his death. But the leaders did not made enough efforts to get him free when it is required. Sarabjit could have been saved if the leaders of various parties ruling and opposition had acted timely.

Narrating her tale of woes Sarabjit’s sister Dalbir Kaur, told the media that she has been raising the issue of Sarabjit since 2005 but no steps were taken by the government for his release. Dalbir Kaur said that Sarabjit was a victim of mistaken identity. Threat to Sarabjit’ life had been increased much more after the hanging of Kasab and Afzal Guru. But the way Sarabjit was murdered...it highlighted how much jail and political reforms required in Pakistan. 

If the expense on high profile prisoners is concerned ....India has better record than Pakistan............. Indian government had spend around 50 crore rupees for providing security and other facilities include meal to Kasab who was hanged on November 21 after he exhausted all legal remedies. On the other hand, Sarabjit, was brutally beaten by fellow inmates which led to his death. 

Sarabjit death requires probe by any international independent body to find out who is really behind the death of Sarabjit. Any probe by Pakistan human right body will not be acceptable as it will have no credibility. 

Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah who was beaten up by inmates at a Jammu Jail last week in  probably retaliation to the death of Sarabjit Singh, died today morning. The act of attack on Sanaullah is also not justified same as Sarabjit. Humanity is missing in both the cases include Sarabjit and Sanaullah. Any person who commit crime should be punished with rigorous imprisonment, but on other hand there is urgent need that there should fair trial and inquiry in every case. In addition to it, all the country must respect the human rights of prisoners.

EOM