Parliament expresses shock at Sarabjit Singh’s death

NEW DELHI, May 2:  Parliament today expressed shock and sorrow over the death of Sarabjit Singh with both Houses adopting resolutions condemning the “inhuman treatment” meted out to him in a Pakistan jail where he was brutally assaulted last week.

The Lok Sabha passed a resolution after two adjournments forced after members created an uproar and shouted anti-Pakistan slogans.

“This House expresses its deep sense of shock and sorrow on the sad demise of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian citizen in Jinnah Hospital, Lahore in Pakistan today after he was brutally assaulted by his fellow inmates in a Pakistan jail,” said the resolution moved by Speaker Meira Kumar.

“This House condemns the inhuman treatment meted out to Sarabjit Singh in Pakistan jail and hopes that the culprits will be brought to book,” said the resolution.

The House mourned the demise with members standing in silence for a while as a mark of respect to Sarabjit.

In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Hamid Ansari said, “The House deeply mourns the demise of Sarabjit Singh and I am sure the House would join me in conveying our condolences to the bereaved family.”

Later, the members, who protested the death of Sarabjit and condemned the murderous assault, rose in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.

The issue was raised as soon as both the Houses assembled for the day, with BJP members storming the Well raising anti-Pakistan slogans in protest against Sarabjit’s death. “Pakistan down down,” they chanted.

Shahnawaz Hussain (BJP) was heard questioning in the Lok Sabha as to why the House was not condemning Pakistan.

The House witnessed two more adjournments on the issue as well as some other matters.

As the House met again at noon, the Speaker moved the resolution. (PTI)