Indian national Dass returns from Pakistan after 27 years in jail

Lahore, April 07, 2011 (PPI): Touching soil of his country after 27 years, Indian national Gopal Dass on Thursday came home from Pakistan to an emotional welcome by his elder brother and sister who had last seen him as a young man. 52-year-old Dass was set free after Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari remitted his sentence on humanitarian grounds following an appeal by Indian Supreme Court.

Dass crossed over to Indian side of border from Pakistan at Joint Check Post here after being freed by Pakistan. Saying he had lost “golden period of youth” behind bars in Pakistan, he asked Indian government why it was sitting silent for last 27 years. “I have a grudge against Indian leadership who has never bothered about Indian prisoners in Pakistan’s jails for last many years. “32 Indian nationals, who completed their jail term, are still languishing due of lack of initiative on part of Indian government,” he claimed.

Dass crossed over to Pakistan in 1984 and arrested by Pakistani Rangers on charges of spying. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and was set to be released by end of this year. Dass’s elder brother Anand Vir, said, “It was voice of Indian Supreme Court judge, which was heard by Prime Minister and President of Pakistan and his brother’s release matured.”