It was 25 years ago that Gopal Das crossed over to Pakistan from a Gurdaspur village, was arrested on charges of spying and sent to jail. The last his family heard from him was two years ago. But now they have a ray of hope, as former Pakistan minister and human rights activist Ansar Burney, after spotting Gopal in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail a few days ago, has reportedly initiated moves to get him released and send him back to India.

Burney's efforts had earlier resulted in the release of Indian prisoner Kashmir Singh after 35 years in Pakistan's jails. "We hope my brother will be united with us soon," says Gopal's younger brother Anandbir, a retired soldier, adding that his family never thought they would be able to see Gopal again till Burney's intervention gave them hope.

In 1984, a 22-year-old Gopal, of Bhaini Mian Khan village, was “lured by some people” into spying across the border. But he got only as far as the border and was arrested as soon as he crossed over to Pakistan. “After a two-year trial, he was convicted and awarded a life term,” says Anandbir, adding that his brother had already completed the jail term. “He used to write to us often, even call once in a while. But we haven't heard from him for two years,” says Anandbir. “If my brother has done something wrong, he has already served his punishment.”

Anandbir says Burney has already written to Minister for External Affairs S M Krishna and Home Minister P Chidambaram, seeking their cooperation. Anandbir has reason for hope now. “I know Burney can help us,” he says adding that he tried to meet the former Pakistan minister at the Attari-Wagah border during his last visit to India but to no avail.