leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Sunil Jakhar will raise the issue of pathetic condition of former spies and their families with the Congress high command, and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh soon.
A delegation of Espionage Victims’ Association (EVA) met Jakhar on Thursday submitting their representation demanding uniform policy to award due respect and rehabilitation package for them.
EVA in its charter of demands submitted to Jakhar demanded that every spy or his family be treated at par with Sarabjit Singh, and those who had been killed or died should be declared a ‘martyr.
After giving a patience hearing to the delegation, Jakhar advocated their concerns and assured to put concrete efforts to not only raise the issue with senior Congress leadership and Prime Minister but also get it done on the humanitarian grounds.
He added that the delegation would be taken to New Delhi to appraise the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Congress national vice-president Rahul Gandhi about the dismal condition of former spies and their families who contributed for the nation.
Giving details, EVA convener Gaurav Bhaskar said that the worst living conditions of various spies and their families were highlighted to senior Congress leader Jakhar.
Opinder Nath and Paramjit Singh, former Indian spy duo, revealed various tortures that they had suffered in various jails of Pakistan.
Not the agony at the hands of Pakistani authorities made them upset, but the alleged ignorant attitude of successive and present State as well Centre Governments further deteriorated their condition, rued the duo.
The charter of demands also included that respectable rehabilitation package with due respect in the national spectrum, Rs one crore as compensation to those who had been killed, and others be awarded Rs five lakh per year.
In addition, the delegation demanded a Government job to one of the dependent of the spy who went on espionage mission to any nation.
The delegation also demanded a uniform policy in giving the honour present, past and future, reservation quota on the lines of freedom fighters, ex-servicemen or martyrs for them in educational institution and Government jobs; Sainik Welfare Board be assigned the job to cater the needs of families of spies in case of his or her death.
Surviving spies or they wives be given pension of Rs15,000 per month, besides diplomatic channels be explored to ensure safety of all Indian spies languishing in various jails out of nation and ensure release of all those who have completed their sentence there.
In addition, they have demanded insurance policy for serving spies worth Rs50 lakh at the time of recruitment, and formation of separate working board for spies to redress their grievances and demands.