ATTARI: After more than 30 years of incarceration in Pakistan, Surjeet Singh returned home on Thursday to a tumultuous and teary welcome from family and friends, and promptly admitted that he had indeed been sent to spy for India.
Held in Pakistan on spying charges in the early 1980s, Surjeet, 69, was released from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail early on Thursday and made the road journey to Wagah, on the Pakistan side of the border, before entering his homeland. “I was a RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) agent. No one bothered about me after I got arrested. Don’t ask me too much...,” Surjeet told reporters soon after stepping on Indian soil.
“Indian prisoners are treated well in Pakistani jails. Sarabjit Singh is also doing well there. I met him recently though I couldn’t meet him today before leaving. He has sent no message with me. Leave it to me, I will get him released... Please don’t ask anything more,” Surjeet said, referring to Sarabjit Singh, also from Punjab who has been in Kot Lakhpat jail.