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Indian 'Spy' Freed After 35 Years

Trader languished in Pakistani prisons after case was forgotten

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 5, 2008 7:51 AM CST

(Newser) – An Indian prisoner has finally come home after spending 35 years on death row in Pakistan on spying charges, the BBC reports. Trader Kashmir Singh was greeted by his family and hundreds of well-wishers as he crossed the border back into India. "I have got a new life," he said. Pakistan's human rights minister persuaded President Pervez Musharraf to free Singh after learning of the case.

"This has shown the world that Pakistan is a humane nation," said the minister, who had to visit more than 20 jails to find where Singh was languishing. Singh's release was unconditional, but officials indicated they hoped it might persuade India to release Pakistanis in similar situations in Indian prisons. The two nations often arrest each other's citizens during times of political tension.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Indian prisoner Kashmir Singh, center, who was released after spending 35 years in Pakistani prisons, waves towards his relatives after crossing border into India at the India- Pakistan joint border check... (Associated Press)

Indian prisoner Kashmir Singh, right, who was released after spending 35 years in Pakistani prisons, poses for photographs along with his wife Paramjit Kaur, after crossing border into India at the India-... (Associated Press)

Indian national Kashmir Singh, center, waves before entering Indian territory as he is accompanied by Pakistan caretaker Minister for Human Rights Ansar Burni, left, at Wagah, near Lahore, Pakistan on... (Associated Press)

Indian national Kashmir Singh, center, who was released after spending 35 years in Pakistani prisons, waves towards his relatives after crossing the border into India at the India- Pakistan joint border... (Associated Press)

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Indian 'Spy' Freed After 35 Years