Surjit admits he worked for RAW

On his return to India after spending more than 30 years in Pakistan jail, Surjit Singh on Th­ursday admitted that he was an Indian spy sent to Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters soon after crossing over the border, Surjit, who claimed he worked for the RAW, said Indian prisoners in Pakistan jails faced no problems and were treated well.

“There is nothing like beating them. They get everything from soap, oil, clothes etc. Some have become mentally upset, others need medical attention which is provided to them,” he said.

Surjit said Sarabjit Singh, the Indian prisoner on death row languishing in Pakistan’s  Kot Lakhpat jail, was fit and fine. He said he used to meet Sarabjit once in a week, even though he has been kept away in confinement with convicts serving death sentence.

“I was not allowed to meet him this morning before leaving. He has sent no message with me… Leave it to me, I will get him released, don’t ask me how,” he said. Surjit maintained that Sarabjit is aware that he would be released soon. On the confusion over his release, Surjit said: “In Urdu, the way they write Sarabjit and Surjit is almost the same. This led to the confusion. Otherwise, everyone knew that the matter was regarding my release only.”

Singh observed that the pressure that is mounted each time, especially in the media, for Sarabjit’s release causes more problem since the community there (Pakistan) steps up its anti-Sarabjit chant. Surjit appealed to both India and Pakistan to release prisoners languishing in their respective jails.