Karial Brahmna (J&K), Aug 31: Amid emotional scenes and celebrations, 19-year-old Ranjeet Kumar returned to his native border village here after languishing for four years in jails in Pakistan.
"My son has returned after four years. I will keep him close to my heart," Ranjeet's mother Kailash Devi said with tears rolling down her cheeks as she recalled and cursed herself that her son had strayed across the international border after she had beaten him up.
As the news of the return of Ranjeet who crossed Wagah Border yesterday spread, hundreds of border dwellers from different villages poured into Karial Brahmna, where his mother welcomed him with a hug and 'aarti'.
"I am a free man today, in Paksitan, freedom has no meaning," Ranjit said as he sat on the floor amid ceremonies of ‘Rakhi’. There were 82 Indian prisoners languishing in Pak jails, he said.
Asked about the condition of Pakistani jails, he said that they lacked medical facilities. "At least 25 Indian prisoners have lost their mental balance due to inhuman conditions and lack of facilities”.
A frail-looking Ranjeet said "I cannot express my joy after being released from the Pakistani prisons where I spent horrible years”.
He said that he had completed his sentence in 2001 but was not released as his antecedents were not confirmed by the Indian government.
Bureau Report