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)