Sarabjit Singh cremated with state honours

BIKHIWIND (AMRITSAR): The mortal remains of Sarabjit Singh, which were brought to his village here 23 years after he inadvertently crossed over to Pakitan, were consigned to flames on Friday afternoon with state honours.

Draped in the tricolour, the body of Sarabjit Singh was taken to the cremation ground from the village school in a procession. Sarabjit's family members performed his last rites.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, an MP from Patiala, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, his deputy Sukhbir Badal and a number of leaders attended the last rites of Sarabjit.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi also attended the funeral of Sarabjit Singh.

The government had announced a state funeral and also a three-day mourning as a mark of respect to Sarabjit, besides financial aid and government jobs for his family.

The village with a population of around 11,000 and located about 36km from Amritsar, is in a state of mourning since Thursday with residents gathering near the house of the family after the news of the Indian prisoner's death spread.

Shops and commercial establishments in this area have also remained shut. The village witnessed angry protests with locals raising anti-Pakistan slogans and burning effigies.

The two daughters were minors when their father crossed over to Pakistan and they had their first glimpse of their father in 2008 when they went to Pakistan with their mother and aunt.