Indian prisoner's wife optimistic about his release on Independence Day

Sounthal (Jammu and Kashmir), Aug 9 (ANI): Family members of Indian prisoner Ram Raj, who is languishing in Lahore's jail for the last eight years, are anticipating his release ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in the neighbouring countries of India and Pakistan.

Ram Raj's wife Swarna Devi, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua District, on Monday said that she has run from pillar to post to secure the release of her husband.

"We would request the government that they release my husband as they are releasing other prisoners," she said.

Devi and her children expressed their grief as their family is struggling to make ends meet.

"Our education is suffering. There is lack of money at home. There is no bread earner in the family," said Mohini Devi, daughter of Ram Raj.

Swarna Devi earlier wrote a letter to the lawmaker of Udhampur constituency, Chaudhary Lal Singh, requesting him to swiftly proceed with the proceedings.

Singh said that he would continue to pursue this case with the External Affairs Ministry to ensure the release of Ram Raj and other prisoners in Pakistan at the earliest.

"Government is also thinking about the case. And we have received a reply that a proper investigation is underway and after that, something will happen. But (release) before 15 August, I would go and find out from the External Affairs Ministry about it, and ask whether the process is completed or not," said Singh.

"Because the prisoners have completed their sentence and when it is already over, then they are unnecessarily being kept there," he added.

Swarna Devi had previously approached the Pakistan High Commission, National Human Rights Commission, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for help in this regard.

Pakistan and India would celebrate their Independence Day on 14th and 15th August respectively.

As a part of the Independence Day celebrations, the countries often make peace-making gestures in order to improve relations.

The release of prisoners is one such gesture. Family members of Ram Raj hope that this year, as well, they might do so and release their loved one.

According to media reports, India has released about 500 Pakistani prisoners, detained during 2008 to 2011, while Pakistan also reciprocated the gesture by releasing Indian fishermen and civil prisoners. (ANI)