From Sarabjit to Sanaullah: the India-Pak ditto relationship

1. All’s well; we’re on top of this AWAIS SHEIKH, SARABJIT SINGH’S LAWYER, May 4, 2013: “During a recent jail meeting which was held in the presence of a CID official, Sarabjit told me that some jail inmates wanted to kill him. He also told me that the names of those who have threatened to kill him in prison were already in the knowledge of the Jail Superintendent. But it seems no remedial measures were taken to protect him." UNION HOME MINISTRY, May 3, 2013: “In an advisory issued immediately after the assault on Sarabjit, the Home Ministry asked the states to ensure proper security to the Pakistani prisoners expressing apprehension that they may be targeted as a reaction.” [caption id=“attachment_766277” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Sarabjit Singh’s sister cries beside his funeral pyre. AFP.[/caption] 2. O0000ops. Sack someone, quick THE ASIAN AGE, May 4, 2013: In Lahore, on Friday, the superintendent and two deputy superintendents of the Kot Lakhpat jail were suspended for their failure to provide security to Sarabjit Singh. The three jail officials had earlier been issued a show cause notice. Inspector General Jails Farooq Nazeer said the notification of their suspension has been issued. THE KASHMIR TIMES, May 4, 2013: Kot Bhalwal Jail Superintendent Rajni Sehgal, who was suspended along with two jail wardens for dereliction of duty, has handed over charge to Danesh Sharma, Superintendent District Jail Amphalla. State government has ordered a probe into the incident. Home Secretary… asked the officers to make sure that such type of incidents may not occur in the future. 3. Ok, we’ll take it from here INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, April 29, 2013: In view of the recent tragic events and present circumstances, we once again appeal to the Government of Pakistan to take a sympathetic and humanitarian view of this case, and release Sarabjit Singh…. so that he can benefit from the best medical treatment available here. PAKISTAN FOREIGN OFFICE, May 3, 2013:  The Foreign Secretary spoke to the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad today to ask for evacuation of Mr. Sanaullah to Pakistan for treatment in our hospital. We have also called in the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to the Foreign Ministry and lodged a protest at the attack on Pakistani prisoner and requested immediate consular access and his best possible medical treatment. 4. Tell everyone the other guy is evil MANMOHAN SINGH, May 2, 2013: It is particularly regrettable that the government of Pakistan did not heed the pleas of the government of India, Sarabjit’s family and of civil society in India and Pakistan to take a humanitarian view of this case. PAKISTAN FOREIGN OFFICE SPOKESMAN, May 3, 2012: Sarabjit was injured as a result of the scuffle between the prisoners. On the other hand, Sanaullah seems to be victim of a direct assault coming in the wake of the death of Sarabjit Singh. 5. What do you mean, terrorist? My guy was a saint MANMOHAN SINGH, May 2, 2013: “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Sarabjit Singh. He was a brave son of India who bore his tribulations with valiant fortitude. MANZOOR MEMON, PAKISTANI DIPLOMAT, May 9, 2013 : “This is an extra-judicial murder of an innocent Pakistan citizen, we need to expose it. 6. Make up a story—no, sorry, solve the case THE PAKISTAN TRIBUNE, April 27, 2013: Prisoners Amir and Mudassir hit Singh with a brick when jail officials were taking him for an evening walk. Four security officials deployed outside his cell were assaulted by the attackers first, before they attacked Singh. The attackers used broken pieces of glass utensils which caused severe injuries. THE TRIBUNE, May 5, 2013: Yesterday both were given the task to water flower beds in the jail. They also smoked bidis but after sometime we saw Sanaullah lying in a pool of blood. The jail guards overpowered Vinod and locked him up,” he [a prison source] said. Vinod claimed that he had attacked Sanaullah with a brick and I cannot say with surety if the shovel lying near the crime scene was also used. 7. Cough up. It’ll blow over India gave Sarabjit Singh’s family Rs 25 lakh. Pakistan will surely give Sanaullah’s family a little over Rs 25 lakh.