Sanaullah Haq

Sanaullah Haq
Born c. 1961
Died 9 May 2013(2013-05-09)
Kot Bhalwal Jail, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Cause of death Murdered in prison
Nationality Pakistani
Occupation Horse and cart operator
Criminal penalty 2 life sentences[1]

Rana Sanaullah Haq (Urdu: رانا ثناء الله حق‎, Rānā S̱anāʾu l-lāh Haq, pronounced [ˈrɑː.nɑ səˈnaʊlˌlɑ ˈɦəq]), also known as Sanaullah Ranjay, was a Pakistani prisoner from Sialkot, Punjab who was serving a life term in a jail in India for his alleged involvement in terror acts with the banned militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, as per the verdict by Indian courts.[2] Before being incarcerated, he was reportedly involved in separatist activities and two bombing incidents in Indian-administered Kashmir.[2] On 3 May 2013, he was attacked by a former Indian soldier Vinod Kumar, who had been convicted for murder.[3] Reports of his attack came a day after the death of convicted Indian Sarabjit Singh in Pakistani detention. Sanaullah died six days later due to the injuries sustained during the attack.

His death resulted in widespread condemnation by Pakistani government and Kashmiri leaders. In the aftermath, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan issued an advisory against travelling to India, citing security concerns for Pakistani citizens. Sanaullah’s death was also cited as a reason for the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to call off the visit of Pakistani visitors to Ajmer Sharif. The incident also prompted a demand for repatriation of Pakistani prisoners in India who have served their sentence. Many people in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir have protested against the brutal murder, which has increased the rift between the two countries.

History

Haq was born in the Dalowali village in the Sialkot District of Punjab, Pakistan. He was arrested in 1990 after he accidentally crossed the border. He was convicted under Terrorism & Disruptive Activities Act for militancy and waging war against India and was sentenced to life in prison in 2009, by the Indian courts.[4] According to Hindustan Times, he was a gardener by profession and in 1990s he got associated with Hizbul Mujahideen and was involved in two bomb blasts in 1994 which resulted in death of 14 people.[2] Due to his good conduct, he was granted permission to pursue gardening in the prison. According to the superintendent of the Kot Bhalwal, Vinod and Haq were not involved in scuffle before and were on good terms.[2] Sanaullah Haq was one of the “ideal and most peaceful jail inmates” at Kot Balwal and was part of ‘piper band’ of the Jammu and Kashmir Prison Department.[5]

Attack and treatment

Haq was attacked in the early hours of 3 May 2013, and suffered serious head injuries. The officials said that he was hit with a sharp weapon (later reported to be an axe).[3] He was attacked a day after Sarabjit’s death and the attack was thought to be a tit-for-tat assault.[6] Sanaullah was later admitted to the Government Medical College hospital in Jammu, where he slipped into a coma and his condition was reported to be serious. Later, he was flown to Chandigarh, where he was admitted to the ICU in the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research.

Death

On 6 May 2013, the Indian doctors of the PGI Chandigarh reported that Sanaullah was brain dead.[7] The condition of Haq had continued to be critically sick with no neurological improvement.[8] On 8 May, Haq suffered renal failure and doctors reported his condition to be "extremely critical".[9]

Sanaullah died on 9 May 2013[1][10] and according to doctors he died from multiple organ failure resulting from severe head injuries.[11] His body was returned to his hometown in Sialkot on 9 May.[11] He was 52 years old at the time of his death.[1] His funeral was attended by a large number of people and he was provided full honours and a gun salute.[4]

Aftermath

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir suspended the jail superintendent and ordered a probe after the incident. A case of assault was registered against Vinod Kumar, a former Indian Army serviceman from Uttarakhand who was serving a sentence in the jail and was the main attacker.[3][12] The Pakistani High Commission in Delhi sought[3] and was provided daily consular access to Sanaullah.[13][14] According to the mission, Pakistan High Commission has asked for detailed information of the incident, immediate consular access, medical facilities for the victim and security of other inmates.[15] Following his death, the Pakistan High Commissioner requested the Government of India for an international inquiry into the incidence[16] which India promptly denied suggesting that the issue should be addressed through bilateral means.[17] The spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs also said that "We would like to reiterate the offer made by us on May 3, calling for a meeting with the relevant Pakistani authorities to take immediate steps to enhance the safety, security and humane treatment of Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails".[18]

Reactions

Foreign

I appeal to the Indian Government to forthwith send back Sanaullah, a Pakistani prisoner who was attacked in a Jammu jail and is said to be in coma, to Pakistan, as requested by the Pakistan Government. This will be a humanitarian act.

Domestic

On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan and on my own, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies with his family... I would like to reiterate to the Prime Minister of India that the serious matter of ensuring safety and security of Pakistani prisoners be addressed in a humane spirit and steps taken so that such brutal atrocities do not recur.

He also stated that in light of the event leading up to Sanaullah's death, both countries must address the humanitarian issues of the prisoners.[26][27][28] The spokesperson of Pakistan High Commission in India stated that this constitutes an "extra-judicial killing of an innocent citizen of Pakistan right under the noses of the Indian jail authorities" and an inquiry of international level should be carried out to find and punish the culprits.[29] His death also prompted the calls for release and repatriation of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails who have completed their sentences.[29][30] Pakistani High Commission in a statement demanded release of 47 Pakistani prisoners who are languishing in Indian prisons after serving their time.[31][32]

Demonstrations

Protests were held in Pakistan and Kashmir to demonstrate against the attack on Sanaullah.[33] Following the death of Sanaullah, Pakistani inmates at the Kot Bhalwal Jail fasted and staged protests against India. Some Pakistani inmates also had verbal brawls with Indian inmates and to prevent escalation, force was used by jail authorities.[34] Syed Ali Shah Geelani, said that the Government should register the jail superintendent for murder and called for peaceful protest across the Kashmir Valley.[23]

Security concerns

The Indian government issued an advisory to all states to enhance security for Pakistani inmates serving sentences in Indian jails.[35][36] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan reacted sternly stating that this is a "matter of deep concern for Government of Pakistan"[37] and that the perpetrators of the crime be brought to justice. The two incidences of Sarabjit and Sanaullah's murders have put strain on the relations of the two country.[38] Following the incidence,[39] Pakistan Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory stating that some disturbing reports in Indian media indicates that Pakistani travelers may be in danger and also called upon India to provide security to Pakistani visitors.[40] However, Indian Deputy High Commissioner stated that "due to the prevailing security environment in India following recent bilateral incidents", India will be unable to ensure safety and therefore Pakistan should call off visit to Ajmer Sharif this year.[41]

Impact on Pak-India relations

Sanaullah's murder had an adverse effect on Pak-India relations and have further strained the ties between the two neighbours.[17] According to Hindustan Times, the handling of the case has resulted in a 'face-off' on the matter of probe.[17]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Mir, Amir (2013-05-10). "Who was Sanaullah, the latest Indian victim in tit-for-tat killings". The News. Retrieved 2013-05-10.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Sanaullah Haq: a profile". Hindustan Times. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Ex-Army man attacks Pak prisoner inside Jammu prison". Zeenews.com. 2013-05-03. Retrieved 2013-05-10.
  4. 1 2 "Sanaullah Haq laid to rest with full honours". The News International. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  5. ↑ GreaterKashmir.com (Greater Service) (2013-05-04). "WHO IS SANAULLAH Lastupdate:- Sat, 4 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT". Greaterkashmir.com. Retrieved 2013-05-19.
  6. ↑ "Pakistani attacked in Indian jail: prison officer".
  7. ↑ "Sanaullah Haq is brain dead: Indian doctors". Pakobserver.net. Retrieved 2013-05-09.
  8. ↑ "Sanaullah remains critical". Hindustan Times. 2013-05-05. Retrieved 2013-05-09.
  9. ↑ "Pak prisoner Sanaullah Haq suffers renal failure: Doctors". Ibnlive.in.com. Retrieved 2013-05-09.
  10. ↑ Fayaz Bukhari. "Pakistani Prisoner Sanaullah Haq Dies In India After...". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2013-05-09.
  11. 1 2 "Sanaullah Haq’s body returns to Sialkot". Dawn News. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  12. ↑ "Pakistani prisoner attacked in Jammu jail, condition serious".
  13. ↑ "India grants consular access to Pak on daily basis". The Statesman. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  14. ↑ "India grants consular access to Pak on daily basis". The Hindu. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  15. ↑ "Prisoner in Coma after attack in Jammu". Zeenews.india.com. 2013-05-03. Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  16. ↑ "Sanaullah Haq death: Pakistan seeks international inquiry". IBN Live. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  17. 1 2 3 4 "Sanaullah’s death will further strain Indo-Pak ties". Hindustan Times. 11 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  18. ↑ Special Correspondent (2013-05-05). "India calls for humane treatment to prisoners". The Hindu. Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  19. ↑ "Pak High Commissioner to visit Sanaullah today". The India Express. 6 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  20. ↑ "Sanaullah is brain dead, say Indian doctors". PakTribune. 6 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  21. ↑ "Funeral prayers in absentia of Sanaullah offered in IHK". Kashmir Media Service. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  22. ↑ "Funeral prayers in absentia for Pak prisoner". Kashmir Times. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  23. 1 2 "Omar apologises to Sanaullah's family". The Indian Express. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  24. ↑ "Pakistan reiterates support for Kashmir cause". Pakistan Observer. 7 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  25. ↑ "PM expresses concern over Sanaullah’s health". The Nation. 7 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  26. ↑ "PM terms Sanaullah’s death as tragic and most unfortunate". The Nation. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  27. ↑ "Sanaullah’s death tragic, most unfortunate: PM". Associated Press of Pakistan. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  28. ↑ "Sanaullah's death tragic, most unfortunate: Pak". Zee News India. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  29. 1 2 "Pakistani prisoner who died after being attacked in India jail, returns home". The Express Tribune. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  30. ↑ "Pakistani prisoner dies in Indian jail after revenge beating". Global Post. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  31. ↑ "Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah Ranjay dies, India to hand over body to Pakistan". NDTV. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  32. ↑ "Prisoner Sanaullah's body flown back to Pakistan". Press Trust of India. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  33. ↑ Web Editor (11854 Posts). "As Sanaullah Haq went into a deep coma, protests began being launched in Azad Kashmir | CanIndia NEWS". Canindia.com. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  34. ↑ "Pakistani prisoners protest, fast in Indian-administered Kashmi". Dawn News. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  35. ↑ "Sanaullah still in deep coma". The Hindu. 5 May 2013. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  36. ↑ "No change in Sanaullah Haq's condition; security of other Pakistani prisoners tightened". Ibnlive.in.com. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  37. ↑ "Sanaullah, Pakistani prisoner in India, Succumbs to Brutal Injuries". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  38. ↑ "Eye for an eye? Pakistani prisoner dies after beating". CNN. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  39. ↑ "Pak advises citizens against travelling to India". 7 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013. The advisory was issued days after a Pakistani prisoner, Sanaullah Ranjay, was severely assaulted in a jail in Jammu.
  40. ↑ "Press Note". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  41. ↑ "Travel of Pakistani Zaireen to Ajmer Sharif". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
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