An eyewitness Sukhdev Singh claims Prisoner of 1971 War Sep Jaspal Singh of Punjab Regiment is still alive in OMAN (Masira Island, jail). It appears that Pakistan had shifted all POWs to different such places/ jails like Masira Island, forever. Copy of letter from Baljit Kaur w/o Sep Jaspal Singh is reproduced below, as received. Is this true? If the answer is ‘Yes’, in such an eventuality the government of India needs to investigate and take action — Indian Defence Review.
Ref: ESM/GC-M/12/54 Dated: 8 Sep 12.
To
1. Gen Bikram Singh, PVSM,UYSM,AVSM,SM,ADC. Chief of the Army Staff, Intg HQ of MOD (Army), South Block, New Delhi-110011.
2. Adjt Gen Branch, ADG- MP, Sena Bhawan, Intg HQ of MOD (Army), New Delhi-110011.
3. Comdt, The Punjab Regt, Ramgarh-829122.
Prisoner of 1971 War Sep Jaspal Singh of Pb Regt, still alive in OMAN (Masira Island, jail)*
(No.2452388, of 15 Punjab Regt wef 5/8/63, r/o VPO Pamour, Distt Fatehgarh Sahib, Pb)
Sir,
This is to report & request you that, Smt Baljit Kaur (65) w/o Sep Jaspal Singh (70) approached this NGO along with *eye witness Sukhdev Singh*r/o Vill Dubri, Boormajra, Chamkaur Sahib, Ropar, stating that Sep Jaspal Singh is still alive in OMAN Jail of Masira Island, along with 2 more Prisoners of War (POW). Sukhdev Singh had gone to OMAN for job on visa in May 2010 for 2 years and he returned to home in July 12. During his hunt for carpenter job, he was sent from Gala City to Masira Island by ship for kitchen services in Jail for 10 days in Aug 2010. Where, he says that Sep Jaspal Singh approached him secretly, recognizing him as Punjabi & disclosed about his family details. Sukhdev Singh had traveled 2 hrs in ship & 6 hrs by road taxi to reach Masira Jail. This is an isolated Island, about 300 sq km, housing about 2500 prisoners.
Now one can link up as to why Gen Musharraf had been inviting India to search its Pak jails for 54 missing soldiers/ POWs. It appears that Pakistan had shifted all POWs to different such places/ jails like Masira Island, forever.
2. Sukhdev Singh further told that, Sep Jaspal Singh had narrated him the incident of 4 Dec 1971 war action when, he along with 4 more soldiers of 15 Punjab Regt, were captured by Pak Army from Ferozpur border action. All 5 POWs were kept in Pak jails for 5-6 years and then transferred to Masira jail & else where. Jaspal said that he does not know of other POWs, but 2 (one of Moga Distt) are with him in the same jail. Jaspal Singh was looking old but healthy, half baldy & grey hairs”. Jaspal Singh had quietly appealed for contacting his family & help to free him. That jail is under very strict vigilance. Baljit Kaur is getting special Family Pension & other benefits regularly.
3. After talking to then CO 15 Punjab Lt Col AS Cheema, it is confirmed that there was an enemy attack on 15 Pb at Hussainiwala Border on 3 Dec 71, in the evening. Where Bn suffered losses/ killed/ missing, including 3 Offrs, many JCOs & ORs. Some of them came back. Maj Warraich (15 Pb) POW’s case was alive in media for long. Even this NGO had been pursuing case of Maj JS Malik (of 8 Raj Rif, I being eye witness) and 53 other POWs for long w/o result, till Gen Musharaff finally denied at Agra during PM’s meeting. Now one can link up as to why Gen Musharraf had been inviting India to search its Pak jails for 54 missing soldiers/ POWs. It appears that Pakistan had shifted all POWs to different such places/ jails like Masira Island, forever.
4. Therefore, it is humbly prayed that the case of Sep Jaspal Singh and 54 POWs may kindly be reopened and pursued with OMAN Govt and all other such possible countries & places. We are sure, God willing, of some positive output. We shall be highly obliged for your kind gesture and early helpful action please.
Your’s Sincerely,
(Sign of Baljit Kaur w/o Sep Jaspal Singh)
(Lt Col SS Sohi, Retd), President,
Copy to:
Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell (Regd)
1. CO 15 Punjab Regt & all concerned.
(Sign of Sukhdev Singh s/o Nachhatar Singh)
An eye witness to the case.
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Arre please do some thing
This case must be pursued … great pity that so many POWs never returned. Please publicize the issue widely in the media, including TV, so that the Government is forced to act and take this very seriously. Thank you. God bless these soldiers and their families.
Aaj is desh ka kitna durbhagya hai,jis insan ne hindustan ke liye aapne jindagi jaan pe laga diya,indian government ne use dead announce kar diya.they are not trying to find that person,he is alive are not. today when he has passed 41 year in pakistan jail, then see what government will do(sleeping government).