National

Prime Minister’s intervention sought

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution, reiterating its appeal to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to “act fast and direct” to save the life of Sarabjit Singh .

Moved by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the second resolution by the House in less than a week came in the wake of reports that the authorities in Pakistan had issued the death warrant against Sarabjit Singh.

“The House once again appeals to the Hon’ble Prime Minister to take up the issue with the Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf as a case of extreme priority.” The resolution said Sarabjit Singh deserved a lenient view as it appeared to be a case of mistaken identity.

Mr. Badal, whose office has initiated efforts for personal audience of the Prime Minister, requested the latter to directly urge the retired General Pervez Musharraf and “seize this historic opportunity to uphold the virtues of mercy, as preached by all religions, including Islam.”

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal said charges against Sarabjit Singh could not be proved “beyond reasonable doubt” as the key witness in the case had turned hostile and had even alleged “pressure” on him to depose against the accused.

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