Question : DEATH OF SARABJEET SINGH



(a) whether an Indian citizen, Sarabjeet Singh died recently in Pakistan prison;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to request any international agency to inquire into the security lapses in the instant case;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the efforts made by the Government to avoid any such incidents in future?

Answer given by the minister



THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) to (e) An Indian citizen Shri Sarabjit Singh succumbed to his injuries in a Lahore hospital on May 2, 2013 after suffering a brutal attack while in the custody of Pakistan jail authorities. Government has demanded that the Government of Pakistan conduct a thorough investigation to identify and punish those who were responsible for the attack. Under the Simla Agreement, India and Pakistan are committed to resolve all issues peacefully through bilateral discussion. The India Pakistan Joint Judicial committee comprising of retired judges of the superior judiciary from both countries has visited jails in Karachi, Rawalpandi and Lahore from April 26-May 1, 2013; they also visited Late Shri Sarabjit Singh while he was being treated in the Lahore hospital. The Committee has submitted its recommendations pertaining to enhancing safety and security of prisoners, and for ensuring that they get a humanitarian treatment.