Stunned that Pakistan was not releasing Sarabjit Singh, his family said it was a "cruel joke" on them .
A pall of gloom descended on Sarabjit's native Bikhiwind village in Punjab where hundreds of villagers had gathered only last night to celebrate the news of commutation of his death sentence.
Pakistan last night clarified that the Indian prisoner being released is Faridkot native Surjeet Singh and not Sarabjit Singh.
Sarabjit, 49, who is being held at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Pakistan, was sentenced to death for alleged involvement in a string of blasts in Punjab province in 1990.
With tears in her eyes, Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur said, "It is difficult for us to believe the Sarabjit Singh has not been released. How can I accept that my brother would not come home yet."
"The latest news wherein I was informed that my brother is not released is a cruel joke with the family whose sentiments have been badly hurt," Dalbir, who has made many attempts to release her brother in the past, said.
Sukhpreet Kaur, wife of Sarabjit Singh said, "My husband must be released as the family has already suffered a lot and is now not in a position to suffer more".
However, a festive atmosphere prevailed in Phiddey village after Pakistan announced that Indian prisoner Surjit Singh is going to walk free after 31 years in jail with his family saying it was a "dream come true" for them.
Harban Kaur, wife of Surjit Singh, described the turn of events in favour of their family as a big news for the family.
The news was conveyed to her eldest daughter Parminder Kaur by Surjit's counsel in Pakistan Asmesh Sheikh.
"It is a dream come true," she said as her daughter Parminder Kaur, who lives with her husband in Surewala village, joined her in the celebrations at Phiddey village.
As soon as the news spread, people of adjoining areas and panchayats thronged the residence of the family. MORE
