'1972 shaheed jawan is still languishing in Pak jail'

Faizabad, November 24:: A ‘martyred’ jawan's family members had the surprise of their life, when they knew that the armyman awarded Vir Chakra ‘posthumously’ is still alive and languishing in a Pakistani jail.

The sweetest of all news to jawan Subedar Rajjab Ali's wife and son was shared by a released Indian prisoner of war (PoW) in the 1972 Indo-Pak war, who is in Kolkatta now.

Mahboob Ilahi, released from Pakistan's Lakhpat Kot jail a few days back, informed Anwar Ali, the soldier-son of Subedar Rajjab Ali that his father was still alive – after seeing a photograph of the father the son was cherishing for years. The duo met in Kolkatta, where Anwar is stationed now.

Now efforts are on to facilitate the return of the jawan lodged at the Lakhpat Kot jail in Pakistan's western province.

Rajjab Ali, then a Platoon Commander of Rajputana Riffles, went missing in Kashmir during the war. He was declared a martyr and was awarded Vir Chakra "posthumously."

The news that her husband was alive came as a bolt from the blue for his 60-year-old wife Jannatul Nishan, a resident of Bhoyein Kathar village of Sultanpur district.

Nishan said, "Last week my son Anwar called me from Kolkatta and said Abba Zinda Hain (father is alive."

Today, Nishan along with other family members, approached the Sultanpur district magistrate Vishal Rai and submitted a memorandum requesting the Centre and state governments to initiate steps for his release.

Havildaar Mohammad Harun (70), a retired soldier and member of Ali's platoon, said Ali was badly injured during an operation at Titual sector in Kashmir on December 8, 1971.

Later they were asked to withdraw from there and nothing was known about the subedar since.

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Kiran Bedi by Rameshwar Singh on 2008-12-08 05:12:12.523553+05:30
Has any Indian paper mentioned that hundreds of RSS volunteers swung into action in search and rescue operations all over Mumbai on the days of terrorism? Has Indian media bias against Hindus or fear of Sonia completely shackled the press? Where is fainess?

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Antony - Look into it immediately by Indian on 2008-11-25 13:59:27.446356+05:30
India, probably is the only nation on Earth where war heroes, soldiers are neglected, ill treated by political establishment. This proud Indian Jawwan should be brought back to India at any cost. Govt should respect people's sentiments and should respect Army personnel. Be it Subedar Rajjab Ali or Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit.

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Let us get back our Heros by Bharatiya on 2008-11-25 13:40:24.695309+05:30
Sub Rajjab Ali VC is a Hero and we Bharatiyas need to keep pressuring our Govt to persue with pak in earnest to secure his release. Indian Express can play a big role in taking up the matter as Dr Deo suggested in his comments. A decorated soldier is our nation's pride. I pray for his release and safe return home to his family. Jai Bharat; Vande Maataram.

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jawan is still languishing in Pak jail by Dr. P Deo on 2008-11-25 00:10:15.757271+05:30
I am very touched by Subedar Rajjab Ali case. It lies in the interest of Pakistan to release him. It was Gen. Musharraf who promised release of any Indian POW in Pakistani jail. POW have not done anything that justifies jailing since 1972.........more than a life term !! They are soldiers. If there are any Pakistani POWs in India, they should be released as well.

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1972 shaheed jawan is still languishing in Pak jail by Dr. Paras Deo on 2008-11-24 23:53:36.289303+05:30
The Govt. of India must use all its good offices to bring Subedar Rajjab Ali home.He deserves a hero's welcome. My urgent request to the Indian Express is to keep reporting and keep asking the responsible people in the Govt. to do everything for this brave Indian. Please don't let him languish in the Pakistani jail. He is soldier and not a criminal.I pray he will join his family as soon as possible

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Bringing HOME our HEROES by Prakash on 2008-11-24 22:37:33.946309+05:30
I am sure this is is a sweetest news for everyone, apart from Subedar Rajjab Ali's family. Indian government should do whatever it takes to bring Mr. Ali and others, if thee are any HOME.

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Missing Heroes by A Kumar on 2008-11-24 21:43:07.907613+05:30
It is no surprise that an Indian soilder is released by Pakistan government after so many years. How many other Indian Soilders are in Pakistan jails is yet to be established. I would request Indian government to include all missing soilders as prisnors in Pakistan, and it may be very well true and a fact which may come to light at a later date. I would blame indian politicians and also the Indian military brass who have never put pressure on pakistan to release the prisnors and have been soft on the Indian govenment. How can a man disappear in thin air. Either pakistan should produce the bodies, remains or find them. the missing indian soilders could not have stayed back in pakistan or taken pakistani citizenship.

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