New Delhi:
Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh died in a Lahore hospital early today from injuries suffered in a murderous attack on him in the city's Kot Lakhpat jail last week. His death has evoked outrage in India. Here are some reactions:
BJP chief Rajnath Singh: The government must take steps so that pressure can be built on Pakistan for the safety of Indian prisoners. Sarabjit Singh's family must be compensated. Our diplomatic relations with Pakistan must be scaled down. The Indian envoy in Pakistan must be recalled.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi: "Sarabjit Singh's extra-judicial killing is yet another grim reminder that expecting Pakistan to follow due process of law in any sphere is futile. The Centre is unable to give a strong answer to Pakistan's inhuman acts. The beheading of our soldiers and now Sarabjit's death are two recent examples."
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley: "This is an alternative to execution of death sentence that Pakistan has found. Even birds cannot enter the cells of prisoners on death row. The attack on Sarabjit Singh could not have been possible without the involvement of the Pakistani administration and jail officials."
Dalbir Kaur, sister of Sarabjit Singh: "First Pakistan backstabbed Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Today they have backstabbed Manmohan Singh. India should stand united. I appeal to all parties to come together."
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: "The criminals responsible for the barbaric and murderous attack on him (Sarabjit Singh) must be brought to justice. It is particularly regrettable that the government of Pakistan did not heed the pleas of the government of India, Sarabjit's family and of civil society in India and Pakistan to take a humanitarian view of this case."
BJP leader Sushma Swaraj: "It is a cold blooded murder. This is not the way civilised nations behave."
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde: "It is really sad for the country that Sarabjit Singh is dead. I have offered condolences on behalf of the nation and we have given assurance that we are trying to get the body back as soon as possible."
Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur: It's wrong to say the government wasn't proactive on Sarabjit Singh's case. I appeal that his death should not be politicised by the opposition.