India today set free 66 Pakistani prisoners which included 28 women and four children, as a New Year gift despite the tensions escalating between the two countries after the Mumbai terror attacks.

Of the 66, 51 were from the Rajasthan and Gujarat jails, 14 from Amritsar Central Jail and one from Tihar Jail, Delhi. High Commission official accompanied the prisoners to Pakistan.

A 22 year old Shehzad, a resident of Karachi who was lodged in the Jodhpur Central Jail, said “This is the best New Year gift I have ever received.” He said that he was arrested a few months back for carrying the forged documents. 58 of those freed were arrested on similar charges. “Many of us are victims of travel agents who did not provide us with genuine visas,” said Noor Bano, an old woman from Karachi.

Amir Ali of Karachi, who was arrested along with three relatives in April this year with forged visas said, “Tempers are bound to flare up once in a while, but there should be no war as it would breed more problems than it will solve.” He further added, “We have relatives and will continue to visit them, come what may.” Released prisoners urged the two neighbours to refrain from war and hold a dialogue.

Aamna Sultan, who had been lodged in Amritsar Central Jail with her husband and two year old daughter since April this year, said, “People on both sides still love each other.”  

Mohammed Asif, a Pakistani national married to a Delhi based Indian woman for more than 17 years, was amongst the 66 Pakistani prisoners released. He was lodged in Tihar Jail. Asif was arrested when he visited his wife in 1998. He said, “I was sentenced to two years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 in 2005.” He felt relieved on being set free and said that he would come back to take his wife to Pakistan. He added, “I want to take her along once and for all.”   

Prisoner Asghar Ali said that Naif Ahmed shall be sent home in a day or so as he could not arrive in time from Mumbai.