Surjeet Singh handed over to India, confesses offense

Surjeet Singh, who spent over three decades in Lahores Kot Lakhpat Jail on charges of spying, has been handed over to India on Thursday.The 69-year-old, told the media waiting at Wagah border that he was very happy with his release. I am waiting to hug my children and go to the Golden Temple he said. I was treated very well by the Pakistani authrorities, all through these years, he added. In the 30 years that have passed, one of Surjeet Singhs sons has died and his other children have got married.Surjeet Singh was escorted by Pakistani policemen to the Wagah border crossing, and handed over to Indian authorities.His family from Ferozepur and villagers, in full celebration mode, were at Wagah to receive him.Singh was given the death sentence under the Pakistan Army Act in 1985. He was arrested in 1982 and his family says that until 2005, they had no idea if he was even alive. The death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 1989 by then President Ghulam Ishaq Khan.Surjeet Singhs release has been filled with controversy. Two days ago, Pakistani and then Indian media reported on the release of another prisoner Sarabjit Singh. More than 8 hours later, the government then clarified that Surjeet Singh and not Sarabjit Singh was to be released.